Justin Kurzel’s The Order is not your typical crime drama. It’s a wild, gritty, and often unsettling plunge into the dark underbelly of white supremacy in 1980s America. Based on the true story of a violent neo-Nazi group, the film masterfully blends historical accuracy with pulse-pounding action, anchored by a powerhouse performance from Jude Law.
The Order
Law stars as Terry Husk, a fictional FBI agent who finds himself on the trail of a real-life white supremacist organization known as The Order (or The Silent Brotherhood). This group, led by the charismatic Robert Jay Matthews (Nicholas Hoult), is responsible for a string of armed robberies across the Pacific Northwest, aiming to finance a stockpile of weapons for their twisted cause.
The film opens with a jarring juxtaposition: the comedic banter of talk radio host Alan Berg (Marc Maron) as he verbally spars with racist callers, followed by the chilling execution of a neo-Nazi informant in the dead of night. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which deftly balances moments of dark humor with the stark reality of extremist violence.
Kurzel, known for his bleak and brooding films like Macbeth and Assassin’s Creed, takes a surprising turn here, embracing a more Hollywood action-thriller aesthetic. This is not to say that The Order shies away from the disturbing nature of its subject matter. On the contrary, it confronts it head-on, but with a heightened sense of urgency and excitement that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Law’s performance is nothing short of electrifying. He embodies Husk with a raw intensity, portraying him as a man consumed by his work, teetering on the brink of madness. His “bad cop” persona is both terrifying and strangely compelling, and his volatile nature makes every scene he’s in unpredictable.
Hoult, on the other hand, is chillingly charismatic as the cult leader Matthews. He exudes a quiet confidence and charm that masks his deeply disturbing ideology. The contrast between Law’s unhinged FBI agent and Hoult’s seemingly normal neo-Nazi is one of the film’s most unsettling aspects.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Tye Sheridan shines as Jamie Bowen, a rookie cop who teams up with Husk to investigate The Order. Jurnee Smollett delivers a powerful performance as a Black FBI agent who faces the harsh realities of racism within the bureau.
The Order doesn’t shy away from depicting the real-world consequences of white supremacist ideology. The film prominently features The Turner Diaries, a notorious neo-Nazi novel that outlines a plan to overthrow the U.S. government. This book serves as both a blueprint for Matthews’ group and a chilling reminder of the enduring influence of such hateful literature.
While the film is primarily a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between Husk and Matthews, it also touches on deeper themes of alienation, community, and the seductive nature of extremism. Husk, separated from his family and driven by his work, is a lonely figure who finds a twisted sense of purpose in hunting down The Order. Matthews, on the other hand, offers his followers a sense of belonging and camaraderie, albeit one built on hate and violence.
Kurzel’s direction is masterful, creating a tense and atmospheric world that draws you into the story. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, and the film’s pacing is relentless, building to a climax that is both shocking and inevitable.
The Order is not an easy film to watch, but it is a necessary one. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of vigilance in combating hate. It is also a testament to the power of cinema to tell important stories in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Order is a gripping and disturbing thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Jude Law delivers a tour-de-force performance, and Justin Kurzel’s direction is masterful. While the film doesn’t offer any easy answers, it raises important questions about the nature of extremism and the ongoing fight against hate.
