Jude Law’s new crime thriller ‘The Order’ resonates with today’s world
A timely narrative
Jude Law’s latest film, The Order, delves into the dark world of Neo-Nazi terrorism in the 1980s. Law emphasized the urgency of this story, noting its relevance in today’s climate of rising far-right ideologies. “Sadly, the relevance speaks for itself,” he remarked during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival. “It felt like a piece of work that needed to be made now. It’s always interesting finding a piece from the past that has some relevant relationship to the present day.”
A gripping plot based on true events
Set in 1983 Idaho, The Order follows a lone FBI agent, portrayed by Law, as he investigates a series of violent bank robberies and car heists. These crimes lead him to a dangerous domestic Neo-Nazi terrorist group, inspired by the radical leader Robert Jay Mathews, played by Nicholas Hoult. The film is based on the 1989 book The Silent Brotherhood and features a stellar cast including Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, Alison Oliver, and Odessa Young.
Director’s vision
Director Justin Kurzel highlighted the film’s contemporary relevance, stating, “It’s always an extraordinary thing when you find a piece of writing or event from the past that has some sort of perspective that can have a conversation with today’s politics. That’s a rare gem. So we felt that there was a lot that was being said about today.”
Building on-screen tension
To create authentic tension between Law and Hoult’s characters, the two actors were kept apart until their first scene together. Hoult revealed, “We didn’t even speak for the first four or five weeks of filming. The crew really enjoyed this idea of keeping us as different forces. The first time we spoke was in the first scene where we interact.”
Law also took his role seriously, trailing Hoult for a day to get into the mindset of his FBI character. Interestingly, Hoult was unaware of this until they arrived in Venice. “I just found out on the boat here!” he exclaimed.
Exploring small-town ideologies
Tye Sheridan, who plays a young police officer joining Law’s FBI agent in the hunt for the supremacist group, shared his personal connection to the film’s themes. “It’s a great piece exploring how people from a small community can be manipulated by extreme ideology,” Sheridan said. “I grew up in a small town with a population of 1,200, so I’ve definitely seen certain things growing up where people are probably getting violent, especially in these subcultures. In the U.S. you have a specific ideology that is descended from generations living in a small community and not having any exposure, so that was one thing that really drew me to the project.”
Release details
The Order is set to be released in the U.S. by Vertical in December, while Amazon Prime Video will distribute the feature in multiple international territories. For those eager to get a glimpse of this intense thriller, you can watch the trailer here.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, I find the premise of The Order both compelling and chilling. The film’s exploration of Neo-Nazi terrorism and its impact on small communities is a stark reminder of the dangers of extremist ideologies. The decision to keep the lead actors apart to build genuine tension is a fascinating approach that promises to enhance the film’s authenticity.
For TV series and movie buffs, The Order offers a gripping narrative that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the current socio-political climate. The film’s ability to draw parallels between past and present events makes it a must-watch for those interested in stories that reflect real-world issues.
The Order is more than just a crime thriller; it’s a poignant commentary on the persistence of extremist ideologies and their impact on society. With a talented cast and a director committed to bringing this important story to life, the film is poised to make a significant impact when it hits screens later this year.