Attending the Venice Film Festival this year, “The Order” emerged as one of the most impactful films I had the privilege to experience. Directed by Justin Kurzel, this explosive crime drama delves deep into the origins of the modern American white-supremacist movement in the 1980s, presenting a narrative that is both chillingly authentic and disturbingly relevant to our current times.
“The Order” chronicles the tense cat-and-mouse game between FBI agent Terry Husk, portrayed with haunting nuance by Jude Law, and Bob Matthews, a fervent extremist brought to life by Nicholas Hoult in one of his most compelling performances to date. Law’s Terry Husk is a man grappling with personal demons a fractured family life and a sense of isolation in his lone assignment in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. His portrayal captures the weary determination of an agent who understands the gravity of the threat posed by Matthews and his band of militants.
Nicholas Hoult’s Bob Matthews is mesmerizing and terrifying in equal measure. Hoult embodies Matthews not as a one-dimensional villain but as a charismatic leader whose radical beliefs and insidious charm draw followers into his orbit. His performance provides a disturbing insight into how extremist ideologies can captivate and corrupt, turning ordinary individuals into agents of chaos.
What sets “The Order” apart is its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. Kurzel doesn’t sensationalize the violence or resort to clichéd depictions of extremism. Instead, he presents a sobering examination of the factors that fuel such movements economic disenfranchisement, warped interpretations of nationalism, and the allure of belonging to a cause. The film meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to the formation of The Order, their criminal activities, and the tragic consequences that ensue.
The cinematography by Adam Arkapaw is striking, capturing the stark beauty of the Pacific Northwest while juxtaposing it with the grim undercurrents of hate simmering beneath the surface. The remote landscapes serve as a backdrop to the isolation felt by the characters, amplifying the film’s tense atmosphere.
One of the most powerful aspects of “The Order” is its exploration of the duality within extremist movements the public-facing façade of political activism and the underlying current of violence and terrorism. The interactions between Matthews and Richard Butler (played by Victor Slezak), the leader of the Aryan Nations, highlight the strategic differences within the movement. Butler’s vision of infiltrating political systems contrasts sharply with Matthews’s desire for immediate, violent upheaval. This dichotomy underscores the multifaceted nature of such groups and their evolving tactics.
The supporting cast enhances the film’s depth. Tye Sheridan delivers a solid performance as a young local officer teaming up with Husk, representing a beacon of hope and resilience amid the encroaching darkness. Marc Maron’s portrayal of Alan Berg, the outspoken Jewish talk-radio host, adds another layer of tension, culminating in one of the film’s most harrowing moments.
“The Order” resonates profoundly in today’s sociopolitical climate. While set in the 1980s, its themes of radicalization, domestic terrorism, and the manipulation of disenfranchised individuals are alarmingly pertinent. The film serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked hate and the importance of vigilance in confronting extremist ideologies.
Justin Kurzel has crafted a film that is not only a gripping crime drama but also a poignant social commentary. It compels viewers to reflect on the parallels between past and present, urging a deeper understanding of the roots of extremism to prevent history from repeating itself.
In conclusion, “The Order” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that left a lasting impression on me. Its unflinching portrayal of a dark chapter in history, combined with stellar performances and masterful direction, makes it one of my favorites from the Venice Film Festival. It’s a cinematic experience that challenges and enlightens, highlighting the enduring relevance of its subject matter and the urgent need for dialogue and action in addressing the forces that threaten societal harmony.