‘The Order’ Review: Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult Face Off in Justin Kurzel’s Hard Boiled Character Study | Venice

Justin Kurzel is no stranger to the world of crime after making Snowtown, The True History of the Kelly Gang and Nitram. The Australian director shifts his focus to America, as he takes on another true-crime story after the unnerving Nitram, which followed a distressed young man who committed the worst massacre in Australia’s recent history. It seems Kurzel has a distinct fascination for real-life events that have disturbed individuals at the centre. 

The Order begins with Marc Maron’s Alan Berg speaking on the radio with a xenophobic caller who fights back against Berg’s confrontative, yet logical suggestions about the way that the far-right treat Jewish people like him. The film cuts to FBI Agent Terry Husk (Jude Law) who arrives in town, looking for a quieter life away from the stress of his grueling work in Idaho. After noticing far-right leaflets posted around town, Husk visits the local Police department where he meets Jamie Bowen (Tye Sheridan), a cop with knowledge of some of the troublesome white supremacists in the neighborhood. 

The two make links between a series of armed bank robberies, car heists and counterfeit bills circulating around town. Husk believes that an off-shoot of the Aryan Nation has been formed, as they’ve grown tired of all the talk and no action. Leading the radical group, named The Order, is Nicholas Hoult’s Bob Matthews, a real-life neo-Nazi, who admired the far-right book “The Turner Diaries” written by white supremacist William Luther Pierce. This book is vital to The Order’s schemes, as they use it as a doctrine to base their actions off of.

“The Turner Diaries” methodically details the steps that neo-Nazi’s should take to overthrow the United States government. It starts with bank robberies to build an arsenal of funds, then to blowing up adult book stores and cinemas, before leading to assassinations of important non-white or Jewish figures. Only then could they declare war on those who oppose them. Husk used the book as a bible to guide him on his mission to overthrow those in power who he deems unworthy of ruling the land that they claim as Aryan people. It’s a fascinating study into the mind of an assured individual who truly believed in his treacherous actions.

Jude Law has the stern, troubled law enforcement look down, as he internalizes his feelings and risks his life in hasty fashion. His past is murky, there are hints about his family but they are never seen. This adds a layer of mystery and intrigue because the viewer never quite knows what’s going on in his mind. Sheridan’s Bowen is taken under his wing, working together to discover the full scope of The Order’s reprehensible plans. Sheridan, like Law, is understated but has a fuse that could light at any moment. Nicholas Hoult’s youthful face is rather disconcerting, as he lacks any sort of gruff villainous look that one would expect from someone so terrible. But that’s what makes him truly scary, as Hoult convincingly plays the most unrelenting white supremacist, it’s hard not to be unsettled by him. The vitriolic hate towards non-white and Jewish people is horrid, but when in action, Matthews is an unnerving figure as he can easily snap and has no qualms with killing.

The filmmaking is top-notch throughout with a moody, noir-like palette. Each shot is perfectly framed to enhance the action on show, being creative in a way that Hollywood doesn’t know how. Mounting cameras in unusual spots during car heists, isolating Law’s Husk from beautiful backdrops and great wide-shots of the North Western American vista. These are just a few examples of how Kurzel’s go-to cinematographer Adam Arkapaw captures the true-crime thriller in a thoughtful and engaging manner. 

The overarching feeling that viewers will feel is a sense of uneasiness, as guns are constantly waved around by unpredictable and irrational people. Extreme tension is built through various avenues, including Nick Fenton’s editing which is razor-sharp. He utilizes distressing material like Matthews interrogating a subordinate to great effect. He embraces silence as a way of building tension, making sure the audience is actively engaged and on the edge of their seat. Kurzel wants that and gets that, it’s hard not to look away. Composer Jed Kurzel’s ominous, slow, pulsating music builds up throughout the film, emulating the rising stakes as The Order’s plans get more and more extreme. Michael Mann’s Heat is a clear influence for the action and score, as it never shies away from being blunt and brutal with no remorse.

Kurzel has proved once again that he’s a superbly talented crime filmmaker with an eye for thrilling set pieces. The Order is more than just a crime thriller, as it explores a truly fascinating subject that could come as a complete shock to some American viewers who have never heard of The Order. Kurzel has built an impressive repertoire of great films with a keen eye for great character studies. Keep your eyes peeled for potential Oscar talk with The Order excelling in many areas, including cinematography, acting and editing.

Grade: A

This review is from the 2024 Venice Film Festival where The Order premiered in competition. Vertical Entertainment will release the film in the U.S.