You’ve finished *The Long Walk*. Your feet are sore, you’re cautious around Mark Hamill, and you’re contending with that powerful conclusion. There’s plenty to dissect.

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From an unexpected death to a vague final scene — plus notable departures from Stephen King’s book — let’s delve into the concluding moments of *The Long Walk*.

Who triumphs in *The Long Walk*?

Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson in “The Long Walk.” Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

In any competition involving death, such as *Battle Royale*, *The Hunger Games*, or *Squid Game*, the crucial question is, “Who survives?” Usually, it’s the protagonist we follow: Shuya in *Battle Royale*, Katniss in *The Hunger Games*, Gi-hun in *Squid Game*. However, *The Long Walk* upends this. We primarily track Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman), yet he is not the final walker. He lays down his life for his friend, Peter McVries (David Jonsson), stating, “I can’t see it. You can.”

This remark alludes to a prior discussion where McVries finds hope, whereas Garraty is fixated on revenge against the Major (Mark Hamill). As the story nears its climax, McVries implores Garraty not to shoot the Major, warning it will spell his own end and distress his mother, Ginny (Judy Greer). He encourages Garraty to opt for love instead of revenge. Garraty’s ultimate act serves as his homage to McVries’ entreaty, relinquishing vengeance and allowing McVries to prevail, even declaring his affection for McVries in his final breaths.

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The bond between Garraty and McVries takes center stage in *The Long Walk*, intertwining themes of friendship, brotherhood, and romance. While Garraty’s concluding “I love you” might appear platonic, the film implies otherwise. Reflect on the pause following McVries’ comment about not having a girlfriend, the imagery of them gazing at a rainbow, and the way they uplift one another. It appears to transcend mere friendship.

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The suggested romantic undertones between McVries and Garraty don’t stray from the novel. In King’s book, there are passages hinting at Garraty’s exploration of his sexuality and McVries harboring deeper feelings for him. Director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter JT Mollner amplify these hints with Garraty’s clear confession.

Nonetheless, both Garraty’s demise and McVries’ triumph diverge from the source material.

In what way is *The Long Walk*’s conclusion altered from King’s novel?

Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, and Ben Wang in “The Long Walk.” Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

In the book, McVries is the third last to succumb, sitting down peacefully. Garraty ultimately wins after Stebbins (Garrett Wareing) collapses.

Garraty’s victory lacks a sense of happiness. Instead of embracing his triumph, he perceives a shadowy figure calling him. “There was still so far to walk,” he reflects.

The novel concludes with Garraty rushing toward the figure, leaving his fate uncertain. Interpretations vary: Is the figure signifying death, or a figment of Garraty’s weary mind? Is he destined to wander endlessly, haunted by his trauma?

It’s a somber ending, contrasting with McVries’ outcome in the film.

What does McVries wish for after winning the Long Walk?

Mark Hamill in “The Long Walk.” Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

Upon victory, McVries is granted a wish by the Major. Initially, he desired for two walkers to win, like himself and Garraty. However, after Garraty’s demise, he opts for Garraty’s wish: obtaining the carbine of a nearby soldier. The Major consents, and McVries shoots the Major.

This moment is bittersweet. The Major’s death brings satisfaction, yet McVries chooses revenge, contradicting his earlier appeal to Garraty. Garraty sacrificed himself on the belief that McVries could see goodness in the world, but by slaying the Major, does McVries extinguish what Garraty sought to safeguard?

The Major’s death is not present in the book, but the film returns to the text’s ambiguity. After executing the Major, McVries strides into the distance. Although a dark figure is absent, it resonates with Garraty’s continued journey in the book.

These concluding moments feel surreal. Why does no one respond to the Major’s death? Why emphasize only McVries?

Perhaps McVries envisions moving on, traumatized. Or, in a bleaker sense, soldiers may have gunned him down, and his final march symbolizes death. The conclusion remains unclear, yet in *The Long Walk*, nothing is straightforward.