The Long Walk ending explained: The relationship between McVries and Garraty, explored

The film adaptation of Stephen King's debut novel, The Long Walk, was released on September 12, 2025.

Helmed by Francis Lawrence, this survival thriller is set in an oppressive, dystopian regime, where a group of young men partake in a long walking competition. The only rule is that they cannot stop or slow down their speed. If the rule is broken, the participant shall face immediate death.

In these violent circumstances, where people are striving to survive, whilst experiencing death and mayhem around them, a bond forged with friendship and love grows. It is between participants #23 and #47, Peter McVries (played by David Jonsson) and Raymond Garraty (played by Cooper Hoffman).

So, how does their friendship develop, and how does it influence the final outcome of the competition?

Let us explore the relationship between McVries and Garraty in The Long Walk.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for The Long Walk. Reader discretion is advised.

In the face of cruelty, love blooms: The Long Walk, ending explained

In The Long Walk, we observe the brutal competition through Garraty, leading viewers to believe that Garraty is likely to win. However, in the film, Garraty does not win; instead, McVries does.

So let us rewind to how the friendship between Garraty and McVries takes shape in such a ruthless setting. In the film, McVries is an optimist, whereas Garraty is fuming in rage and is hellbent on getting even with the notorious The Major (played by Mark Hamill).

But it is due to the efforts of McVries that Garraty has a change of heart and rethinks his future course of action. He is the one who helps Garraty ground himself and have a more layered and sensitive approach. He tells him not to have his hands stained in blood due to the murder of the Major, as that will lead him to his own death. McVries asks Garraty to pause and think about his mother, Mrs. Ginnie Garraty (played by Judy Greer), and what would happen if Garraty dies.

As a result, Garraty not only discards his plans to kill the Major but also gives up his own life so that McVries can win. McVries ignites a flame of self-realization and humanity in Garraty by encouraging him not to take the route involving violence. And Garraty, having realized the value of humanity, chooses to save his friend's life.

McVries, since the beginning of the competition, wanted both him and Garraty to win the competition. However, in the end, when Garraty dies, McVries asks for rifles from the Major. When he is handed those weapons, McVries fulfills his dead friend's wish - to put an end to the Major's life.

So essentially, things completely flip in regard to the characters' belief systems. McVries, who never preferred violence, encouraged Garraty not to take that route. Hearing this causes Garraty's change of heart, and he decides to sacrifice his own life.

Conversely, McVries, after witnessing his best friend's death, ends up doing what Garraty initially wanted to do. So this ending gives us an insight into the deeper complexities of human nature and how love plays a role in it.

Both McVries and Garraty, even in such testing times, forged a relationship of friendship and love. Their actions are also influenced by how they feel for each other. The last parting words of Garraty to McVries are, "I love you." So, the nature of their friendship is ambiguous, as it could seem to be blurring the line between friendship and romance.

In the making of the film adaptation of The Long Walk, director Francis Lawrence took some creative liberties, and hence, the film makes some big changes as opposed to the original storyline written in Stephen King's book. In order to unravel the differences, one has to watch the film!

Have you watched The Long Walk? Tell us your insights in the comments!