The Order is based on the true story of a white supremacy group that rose to power. During 1983 in the Pacific Northwest, FBI agent Terry Husk (Jude Law) is investigating an escalation of crime. A group of robbers has been targeting various banks and businesses, with their targets getting larger. While most assume it is the work of established crime syndicates, Husk suspects something else. After some interrogations, Husk comes to believe that the thefts are actually the work of a rogue hate organization. Calling themselves The Order and led by the charismatic Bob Mathews (Nicholas Hoult) these individuals seek to start a war with all people who don’t look and think as they do. Husk soon aligns with local police officer Jamie Bowen (Tye Sheridan). Together, they begin work on proving their theory before The Order can enact its plan of terror.
What works in The Order are the fantastic performances compliments of taut directing. Director Justin Kurzel (Macbeth) crafts an intricate game of cat and mouse between Law and Hoult. As the two square off both directly and indirectly, it’s impossible not to become engrossed. From the opening scene all the way through the finale, the chess game evolves in tense fashion. Furthermore, Kurzel adapts the story in a way that takes appropriate thematic liberties while still honoring the truth. Some of the characters are amalgamations of real-life counterparts, and others (like Mathews) are direct interpretations. This blending feels very natural and helps contextualize the relationships and culture in the areas The Order operated.
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People adverse to intense true crime violence, or sensitive to portrayals of racially charged rhetoric and ideology, may not enjoy The Order as much as others. While always remaining respectful, Kurzel does not shy away from exploring The Order’s motivations and methods. This includes some very disturbing images such as the indoctrination of young children and terrorism. As such, The Order is likely to be a disheartening experience given these events only occurred within the last 40 years. Viewers should be prepared for an emotionally exhausting experience between the action and the underlying themes related to the spread of genocidal hate.
The Order is a gripping tale. Thanks to complex work by all of the leads, The Order captures’ ones attention and holds it tight for the entire runtime. Highly recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Mississippi Burning, Heat, The French Connection
The Order is now available to see in theaters.
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