A string of violent robberies in the Pacific Northwest leads veteran FBI agent Terry Husk to a white supremacist group that plans to overthrow the federal government.
Director: Justin Kurzel
Cast: Jude Law; Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, Alison Oliver, Marc Maron
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Rated R for some strong violence, and language throughout.
Runtime: 1h 58m
Review:
Justin Kurzel's tense police procedural feels like a throwback to classic Michael Mann films from the 80's and 90's with its straightforward single-mindedness buoyed by stellar performances across the board. Kurzel's film is hauntingly beautiful in how its shot by taking full advantage of the natural beauty that hides the sinister workings of the white supremacist domestic terrorist at the heart of the story. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition that offers up a hefty bit of thematic subtext to the story playing out on screen. It’s all wonderfully shot but straightforward and lean with very few visual flourishes thrown into the mix. It’s an incredibly efficient film from start to finish that never loses sight of where it's going or how it wants to get there. Jude Law embodies the film's no nonsense approach with his turn as the hardboiled FBI agent who drives the story. Law has rarely been better as he gives his character a hardened intensity that drives his relentless pursuit of his target regardless of the personal toll it takes on him. We are given only a few morsels of background information on the character, but Law manages to give him enough layers so that we understand the depths of his determination even if not the reasons. On the other end, Nicholas Hoult takes advantage of his boyish looks paired with a tangible sense of charisma that becomes more an unnerving as his groups actions become more extreme. There's subtle work from both actors on display with Law's performance being the showier of the two but Hoult is just as good with his measured approach. They only share a few moments on screen but when they do the screen screams with tension as each party attempts to size up each other. Tye Sheridan and Jurnee Smollett are solid in smaller supporting roles with Sheridan leaving a sizeable impression on the film. There's plenty to appreciate about The Order, especially since it brings a certain level of immediacy and importance due to some readily apparent modern day connections.
A
