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Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult Face Off in Chilling Crime Thriller The Order
Sep
The Order, directed by Justin Kurzel, is a gripping crime thriller that explores the rise of white supremacist extremism in the 1980s, drawing on historical events that still resonate today. Starring Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult, the film delves into the dangerous world of The Order, a white nationalist group led by Bob Mathews (Hoult), who is intent on inciting a race war. Law plays Terry Husk, an FBI agent who moves to Idaho in search of a quieter life, only to be drawn into investigating a series of robberies and bombings connected to the Aryan Nation.
Kurzel, known for his work on Macbeth, masterfully uses the contrasting beauty of the Pacific Northwest to highlight the disturbing underbelly of extremist movements. With influences from films like BlackKklansman and Judas and the Black Messiah, The Order combines taut suspense with stunning cinematography, reminiscent of True Detective.
Jude Law’s Haunted Performance
Jude Law shines as Terry Husk, an alcoholic FBI agent whose addiction to both the job and alcohol reflects the toll his career has taken on him. Law’s portrayal of Terry carries a Shakespearean depth, presenting a man haunted by the violence and corruption he’s witnessed. His nuanced performance adds layers to the character, creating a compelling portrait of a man who can’t escape the pursuit of justice, despite its personal costs.
Nicholas Hoult as a Chilling Extremist Leader
Nicholas Hoult delivers a chilling portrayal of Bob Mathews, the fanatical leader of The Order. His stillness and cold-blooded nature make him a terrifying figure, far removed from the charm Hoult often brings to his roles. Mathews’ ability to convert others to his cause with a quiet intensity makes him a formidable villain, and Hoult captures the fanaticism and danger of the character with precision.
Strong Supporting Cast
Tye Sheridan and Jurnee Smollett offer memorable performances as well. Sheridan’s character, Jamie, a local deputy, brings a quiet sense of morality to the story, contrasting with Terry’s more erratic approach. His character’s descent into obsession mirrors the zealotry of The Order, making him the tragic hero of the film. Smollett’s portrayal of fellow FBI agent Joanne Carney adds a fierce energy, showing the balance between her frustration with Terry’s inability to quit and her own desire for justice.
Marc Maron also plays a brief but significant role as Alan Berg, a talk radio host whose real-life assassination in 1984 is a turning point in the story. Maron’s character represents the thin line between ideological discourse and the violent actions of extremists, a timely reminder of the dangers still present today.
A Chilling Slice of History
The Order is as much a character study as it is a crime thriller, exploring the dangerous parallels between the rise of white nationalism in the 1980s and its current resurgence. The film draws on disturbing real-life influences, particularly The Turner Diaries, a white supremacist novel that serves as The Order’s guide. The unsettling echoes of this extremist ideology, which the FBI has called the “bible of the racist right,” can still be seen today, especially in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Kurzel and the film’s writers, Gary Gerhardt and Zach Baylin, create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, a throwback to the well-produced, adult dramas of the 1970s and ’80s. The Order is a chilling reminder of the persistence of extremism and the obsessive drive that fuels both justice and hatred.
The Order is a tense, timely thriller that showcases the impressive talents of its cast while offering a haunting reflection on the enduring dangers of white nationalism.
