The Order
December 4th, 2024
MOVIE: THE ORDER
STARRING: JUDE LAW, NICHOLAS HOULT, TYE SHERIDAN, MARC MARON, JURNEE SMOLLETT
DIRECTED BY: JUSTIN KURZEL
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 4 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 114 MINUTES
There’s a sequence in Justin Kurzel’s The Order where Jude Law’s character stands in the foreground, the sun setting behind him, as a blazing fire illuminates the dark sky. It may be my moment of the year. This is not just because the shot is stunning—thanks to the mesmerizing cinematography by Adam Arkapaw—but also because it perfectly encapsulates the state of the United States. It’s a burning house—similar to the iconic “This is Fine” meme—a white supremacist, fascist nationalist sitting inside, while the police do their best to smoke him out. All they can do is watch it burn until it fades away. This is the essence of The Order, a dark, gritty, and terrifyingly timely story set in 1983 when a series of bank robberies and armored car heists were carried out by an extremist group called The Order in the Pacific Northwest. The film is a thrilling watch and a powerful commentary on the world we live in today.
The lead FBI agent on the case is Terry Husk (played by a superb Jude Law), who has recently transferred to the quiet town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, hoping to track down the criminals behind these heists. In small towns, getting the cooperation of local law enforcement can be tricky, but young officer Jamie Bowen (Tye Sheridan) proves to be a valuable ally. When the body of a traitorous follower is found buried outside of town, the trail leads to a group of fanatical bigots led by the cold and charismatic Bob Matthews (Nicholas Hoult). Of course, catching them in the act and gathering solid evidence of their domestic terrorism is easier said than done, but as the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that The Order’s plan is much more sinister—an all-out war against the U.S. government.
It would be easy to dismiss The Order as just another movie about the radical ideologies of neo-Nazi groups. Yes, films like BlacKkKlansman, Skin, and Imperium have explored similar themes in recent years, but what Justin Kurzel does so well is balance the pacing of Zach Baylin’s screenplay, allowing space for every character and side to reveal their humanity, however tortured. Husk becomes increasingly obsessed with the case, reminiscent of Al Pacino’s character in Heat, while Matthews remains as cold as ice—lying to his wife, and his mistress, and spreading hatred wherever he goes.
Though Heat might not be the ideal comparison, The Order shares much in common with Michael Mann’s 1995 film. Both movies are multi-layered, with messages that transcend the surface-level themes of crime and power. Ultimately, they ask what humanity is capable of when consumed by violence, hate, and greed. Watching The Order, it’s impossible not to reflect on the disturbing nature of such ideologies, and attitudes that are still prevalent in parts of American society today. Based on a true story, the film explores the deep-seated hatred towards “others” that fueled The Order’s violent campaign, including the assassination of radio personality Alan Berg (Marc Maron) and their efforts to indoctrinate children into their world of hate. Kurzel captures this chilling reality with both his vivid imagery and his nuanced characters.
But the subtext of The Order is just one layer; at its heart, this is also an excellent police procedural. Drawing from classics like Point Break, Seven, and The Untouchables, the film’s power lies in the meticulous process of following the clues. Law and Sheridan’s characters develop a slow-burning trust, complemented by a supporting cast that authentically embodies the period. It’s a gripping and, at times, shocking experience. The Order says a great deal about the American dream, the darker aspects of the national psyche, and the courage of those willing to take a stand. It is a film that is both urgent and important.
The Order is spectacular.
4 STARS
THE ORDER IS PLAYING IN THEATERS FRIDAY DECEMBER 6TH, 2024.
Written by: Leo Brady
