Movies

Review: A real-life incident of white-power terrorism is told with chilling clarity in ‘The Order’

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As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that “The Order” is a gripping and haunting masterpiece that will leave you with chills long after the credits roll. The performances by Nicholas Hoult and Jude Law are nothing short of extraordinary, with each actor delving deep into their respective characters to deliver raw, powerful portrayals that are as captivating as they are terrifying.

The gaze is intense and pure, yet it carries a subtle hint of malevolence that even a fool would notice. There’s another man with chilling eyes, who radiates the scent of unfulfilled desires, domestic strife, and alcohol. The character portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, the actual white supremacist Robert Jay Mathews, might seem surprising given his general likability that has persisted since his endearing role in the 2002 film “About a Boy.

However, it’s Terry Husk, the FBI agent portrayed by Jude Law in the second performance, who truly leaves an impression, as he delves deeper into darkness than ever before. A mother at a gathering where Husk has already had several drinks expresses her unease towards him. “There’s something about you,” she says, “having these conversations around the children.” She finishes by stating, “I don’t like it. You make me uncomfortable.” Despite not knowing him well, her intuition is strong enough to cause alarm.

Movies

Under the direction of Justin Kurzel, “The Order” narrates a true account of an FBI agent pursuing a dangerous neo-Nazi organization in the Pacific Northwest in the 1980s.

The film ‘The Order’ revolves around two silent individuals crossing paths, portrayed in a starkly intense manner reminiscent of the acting greats from the past like Charles Bronson. It delves into a series of violent 1980s heists and the chilling murder of Jewish radio talk-show host Alan Berg (Marc Maron). However, these incidents were not seen as typical crimes by investigators but rather as orchestrated acts, indicative of something more sinister. They believed these actions were fueled by a hate group, driven by racial prejudice, aiming to incite a revolution.

The movie’s Australian-born director, Justin Kurzel, has long had a thing for bleakness, and his new movie won’t disabuse you of that characterization. Yet in working from a no-nonsense script by Zach Baylin (based on an account called “The Silent Brotherhood,” by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt), Kurzel has — just as David Fincher did with “Zodiac” — found a magnifying glass for his gifts. The potent image-making and performative ferocity turns what could have been a crime thriller into a near-metaphysical showdown.

It’s quite likely that you aren’t familiar with “The Order,” a film produced in Canada that had a relatively low-key premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival compared to its high-profile cast and quality. The reason for its under-the-radar status might be unsettling: there seems to be a direct connection between the movie’s Idaho hate group depicted on screen and the Oklahoma City bombing as well as the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. (A chilling end note labels this event an insurrection.)

Kurzel provides a straightforward depiction of the symbolism associated with America’s self-reliant militia groups – flags, swastikas, bar flyers inviting inquisitive individuals to gatherings, presented admirably. The concepts are quite intense. However, it is the primitive illustrations from an initial 1978 edition of “The Turner Diaries,” a book with a red cover and FBI markings, that stand out as particularly shocking – essentially serving as a six-step manual for violent government overthrow.

Entertainment & Arts

In this reinterpretation, the chilling, velvety tones of seasoned actor Victor Slezak, portraying neo-Nazi minister Richard Butler, add an air of familiarity to the film. Yet, his role is crucial for showcasing the intensity of Mathews, a rising younger character played by Hoult, who isn’t afraid to demand action. “Defeat, never — victory forever,” he rallies the men (it should be noted that it’s mostly men), and the slanted afternoon light casts his rise in a haunting, supernatural light.

Title “The Order” might seem centered around words, but it’s really about the influence of character. This film could not be more relevant this season. Be cautious, Husk’s redemption isn’t all it appears to be. Kurzel leaves us with a warning, the goal in sight, the journey only just begun.

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2024-12-07 04:31

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