Review: Margo Martindale, Cole Sprouse, and Stephen Root superb in ‘The Long Haul’

Three-time Emmy winner Margo Martindale stars in the new film “The Long Haul,” which had its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Sunday, June 7th, 2026. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.

Martindale stars alongside Stephen Root, Cole Sprouse and Yalitza Aparicio. Ironically enough, this project marks screenwriter and director David Drake’s feature debut.

The synopsis is: CJ (Margo Martindale), a seasoned truck driver who has spent her years traversing the American Southwest, has meticulously constructed a life of distance from her past. However, a letter from the parole board threatens to dismantle the walls she has painstakingly built. CJ, facing the prospect of retirement and a reckoning she has evaded for years, must finally find the courage to pause and contemplate her future. 

“The Long Haul” is the kind of film that sneaks up on you, and it stays with you well after the end credits roll. What begins as a seemingly modest road drama unfolds into a deeply moving, surprisingly funny, and thoroughly rewarding journey about family, regret, grief, and the possibility of redemption.

Director David Drake demonstrates a remarkable confidence behind the camera, allowing moments to breathe while keeping the story moving at a steady pace. Drake is able to balance the intense movement with wit and levity. The film’s greatest strength lies in its characters, all brought vividly to life by an exceptional cast.

A sublime Margo Martindale delivers yet another masterclass in acting. Her performance is rich with nuance, balancing sharp wit and profound vulnerability in a way that feels effortlessly authentic. Every scene she is in carries emotional weight, and she anchors the film with tremendous warmth and humanity.

Cole Sprouse is a triumph as Alex, who continues to prove his range as an actor and storyteller with a mature, understated performance that avoids easy clichés. His chemistry with Martindale creates the emotional backbone of the story, and their evolving relationship feels earned at every turn.

Stephen Root, meanwhile, is a scene-stealer whenever he appears in a controlled performance. Bringing equal parts humor and heart, he injects the film with a grounded authenticity that elevates even its quieter moments.

Visually, “The Long Haul” captures the beauty and loneliness of the open road, using its landscapes not merely as backdrops but as reflections of the characters’ inner journeys. Drake’s direction favors sincerity and rawness over sentimentality, allowing the film’s emotional beats to land naturally rather than forcing them.

If there’s one minor criticism, it’s that a few supporting storylines feel slightly underdeveloped, preventing the film from reaching true masterpiece status. Even so, these are little bumps on an otherwise unforgettable ride.

By the end, the movie leaves you feeling both emotionally satisfied and reflective. It is a heartfelt, resonant, and a beautifully acted film that reminds us how powerful simple stories can be when told with honesty and care.

A touching road-trip drama elevated by outstanding performances, thoughtful direction, and genuine emotional resonance. Simply put, “The Long Haul” is one of this year’s most pleasant surprises at the Tribeca Film Festival. It earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done.