The film adaptation of Stephen King The Long Walk, released earlier this month in UK cinemas, has quickly gained praise from both critics and audiences. Based on King’s 1979 novel—written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman—the movie delivers a gripping portrayal of a deadly contest in a dystopian America, blending intense drama and emotional depth that sets it apart from the original book.
Understanding the Final Moments of The Long Walk
After days of relentless walking covering over 300 miles, only two contenders remain: Ray Garraty, played by Cooper Hoffman, and Pete, portrayed by David Jonsson. Throughout the brutal contest, several participants including Hank Olson and Art Baker, both significant allies, perish under violent circumstances. The story reaches its climax in a small town filled with spectators eager to witness who will emerge victorious.
Fatigued and overwhelmed by pain, Pete chooses to sit down, effectively surrendering to death. Rather than abandoning his friend, Ray lifts him up and urges him forward, reviving Pete’s determination. However, the twist unfolds when Pete turns to see Ray himself stop walking; the Major, head of the military escort, executes Ray, confirming Pete as the winner.
Invited to name his prize, Pete requests a gun—a wish Ray had once told him to make if he won. Taking the weapon, Pete declares,
This is for Ray Garraty
and fatally shoots the Major, shocking the onlookers before continuing alone down the empty road.
This final act serves as Pete’s tribute to Ray’s sacrifice and fulfills a deeper vengeance against the Major, who years earlier had killed Ray’s father. Ray’s decision to let Pete win is crystallized in his last words,
I can’t see it. You can.
— a reference to Pete’s optimistic outlook, contrasting with Ray’s own darker view.
Earlier in the film, Pete advises Ray to choose love over revenge, a message Ray upholds by stepping aside rather than chasing retaliation himself. Pete’s shooting of the Major is his way of honoring that love and sacrifice. While the film concludes before revealing the consequences of Pete’s bold move, it hints at a future where his hopeful nature might aid him against uncertain challenges.
Film Ending Versus the Novel: Major Differences
The Long Walk movie diverges notably from Stephen King’s original story, particularly in its ending. While the film trims the walking group from 100 competitors to 50 and shifts the setting from wooded areas to a barren landscape, the most striking departures occur in the final sequence.
In the book, Ray Garraty ultimately wins the grueling competition. Pete does not survive to the end, having been executed shortly after sitting down. Moreover, Pete is not among the last two, with his quitting happening well before the character Stebbins leaves the contest. Similar to the film, Stebbins reveals the Major as his father before collapsing, leaving Ray alone to continue walking.
However, unlike the movie, the novel’s conclusion leaves the Major untouched and Ray’s fate ambiguous; no revenge is enacted, and Ray simply disappears into the distance.
JT Mollner, the film’s screenwriter, discussed these changes in an interview with Total Film, stating the intent was to
make these changes without p**sing off constant readers
while introducing an unexpected twist for those familiar with the source material.
He elaborated, saying, “It was a scary moment because I love the ending of the book, and the book is not about twists or surprises. It’s just about these characters. There’s an ambiguity to that ending. There’s a hopelessness to it.
The reason we wanted to make those changes, is because not only did I find them interesting, I found that it was a way to really kind of personify and articulate the nature of love and relationships and and the best and worst human instincts and what you can be driven to in the same ten minute period with different characters, the same five minute period.
These revisions enhance the emotional resonance and underscore the complex interplay between hope, sacrifice, and vengeance, shaping a narrative that feels both fresh and intense.
The Long Walk’s Critical Reception and Impact
Stephen King is renowned for having a vast number of his works adapted to film, second only to Shakespeare in cultural influence. His stories have inspired beloved classics like The Shining, Carrie, Stand By Me, and The Shawshank Redemption. The Long Walk ranks highly among recent adaptations, winning acclaim for performances by Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, and Mark Hamill.
The film’s success underlines the enduring appeal of King’s dystopian themes and character-driven storytelling. By taking creative liberties, the movie offers fans a fresh perspective on an intense, survival-driven narrative that explores humanity’s darkest and most resilient impulses. As audiences continue to respond passionately to The Long Walk, its blend of psychological tension and emotional depth ensures the story remains relevant in today’s cinematic landscape.
What Lies Ahead for The Long Walk and Its Audience
With its UK cinema release generating strong buzz, The Long Walk invites debate about storytelling, adaptation, and the essence of King’s work. The film’s ambiguous and bold ending opens doors for future discussions, possible sequels, or even further reinterpretations that explore the aftermath of Pete’s defiant act.
Fans of both the book and film will find themselves reflecting on themes of loyalty, hope, and the cost of survival, while newcomers may be drawn into the stark, haunting world the story paints. The Long Walk’s lasting impression lies not only in its suspenseful plot but also in its nuanced portrayal of human relationships under extreme circumstances.
As The Long Walk continues to screen, viewers are encouraged to consider the moral questions posed, the characters’ sacrifices, and the contrast between the novel’s ambiguity and the film’s emotional clarity.
