The Wasteland Reviewer

The Order (2024) Written Review

What is the danger of domestic terrorism? The specter of terrorism has been a concern in American culture since 2001 when we were attacked on September 11^th. But what most will see are Arab/Muslim faces when someone asks them to think about what they perceive who would be a terrorist. Islamophobia grew so much over the course of the 21^st century which has created so much tension. But there are plenty of concerning threats living right in our backyards. The presence of Christian white nationalism has certainly become a big figure in our country over the last decade for sure, but this has been a problem for decades. Queue The Order. 

Does this crime thriller strike a chord narratively and thematically? There are surely some familiar beats that are leveraged to structure the film, but it is the meat on the bones that really makes this film effective. Jude Law portrays Terry Husk who is a gruff, aging FBI agent who is not in the best of health, and he is quite obsessive with this case. We have seen this trope before, but it works effectively here. Nicholas Hoult portrays the leader of the violent group of white nationalists, Bob Mathews. Through this character, we can see the hypocrisy of his “values” as his relationships and family life are complicated. But he represents the most radicalized version of this type of person (white nationalist). We see him have conflict with his own “allies” because they are not men of action. The story has twists and turns and serious stakes as well with characters who are not safe from danger and even a compelling finale. Husk and Mathews are intriguing reflections of each other. Driven, Compelled, Obsessed. But they show opposite sides of the world perspective. That makes the central conflict so compelling. 

What does Justin Kurzel bring to the table? Kurzel has made splashes with such films as his Macbeth but has also had some failures like Assassin’s Creed. But The Order finds him in rare form as he elevates this crime/thriller and investigation film with some real poignant intensity. This film has plenty of grit with its vintage feel and period setting. The world is stark, and you are never quite sure when something tragic or harrowing is going to happen. There are a few sequences like shootouts and home invasions that have weight and impact. This is a bloody and raw flick that packs a punch like a good old-fashioned crime thriller should. Stripping away some of the flair and genre elements seems to have done well for Kurzel, who delivers quite the compelling film in The Order. 

How about the performers on screen? Law is in such an interesting place in his career as he moves out of that romantic leading man place, he was for a good chunk of his career. He rocks a great cop moustache and has a more grizzled middled-aged look to him that works perfectly for the film. This role has depth and complex and will make you realize Law has always been more than his charisma and good looks. Hoult is a nuanced actor who can bring a lot to a role and for this character he injects some serious intensity and presence. You are automatically put on edge when he shows up on screen. Tye Sheridan is a good young actor and his presence in this film brings some empathy to the table (even if his character fits quite the familiar role). Where Sheridan brings a level presence, you have Jurnee Smollett who injects some intensity and fire into the formula. A dash of Marc Meron (which is always welcomed) adds so added layers and depth to the thematic structure of the film as well. 

Where does The Order fit into the current cinematic landscape? This is a tough and significant film that puts a spotlight on some serious issues in modern society. This type of “barnburner” of a thriller is a refreshing stripped down addition to the movie slate out right now. There are plenty of big genre flicks out, but this type of mature and hard-hitting crime flick is a great piece of counter programming right now.