Based on one of Stephen King’s earliest novels, The Long Walk shows some hallmarks of a young writer. There are perhaps too many characters that exist for no purpose but to die, the dialogue drifts into pretension at times, and the story focuses slightly too much on the brutality of its premise. If we’re being honest, the novel was a strange choice for an adaptation, and it was always incredibly unlikely that a film version would be able to overcome its flaws. Shockingly, the movie very much does so and any minor (and I do mean minor) complaints are overshadowed by it being absolutely phenomenal in almost every way.

In a dystopian, war-torn America, an annual competition sees fifty young men walking hundreds of miles for the promise of riches and a single wish of their choice. The catch is that they must maintain a speed of 3 miles per hour or else be shot to death, and only one contestant can win. Ray (Cooper Hoffman) joins the competition and quickly befriends a group of walkers that vow to support and push each other as far as they can go, even as others succumb and die around them.

Perhaps the best decision that director Francis Lawrence makes is to not shy away from the visceral and shocking deaths. The movie centers on the camaraderie and friendships that develop despite the bleakness of the premise. It is often moving and beautiful, and the characters will tug at your heartstrings and fill you with warmth. In order for any of that to have an impact, though, one needs to see them suffer. There are a few times when the film seems to revel in its character’s pain a bit much, but that’s still better than not showing that pain at all.

Selling the anguish is a task that falls on a perfectly cast ensemble. Hoffman is great, giving Ray a boyish charm and simplicity that feels endearing and authentic. He’s easy to root for. The same can be said for every other member of the main cast, but none more so than David Jonsson as Peter McVries. Jonsson is a commanding presence that steals every scene he’s in. If 2024’s Alien: Romulus didn’t already make him a star, this performance should do the trick.

Credit needs to be given to Lawrence and scriptwriter J.T. Mollner as well, since the tight script and perfect pacing wastes almost nothing. There are maybe a few backstories or moments that could have been expanded on, but honestly adding any time to the film might have dragged the whole thing down. This is a movie about a group of guys walking, after all. There’s only so much of that you can do. Kudos to them for knowing where to draw the line.

The entire film is an experience. There is something about going on this walk, and the film very much does make you feel like you are on the walk, that is unique. It’s a lot to digest and far from the easiest watch, but so worth it. My advice would be run, do not walk, to your nearest theater and check this one out.