Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult Discuss Neo-Nazi Thriller ‘The Order’: A Reflection on America’s Dark Legacy
A Thrilling Tale Rooted in Reality
Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, and Jurnee Smollett are gearing up for the release of ‘The Order’, a gripping crime thriller set in the 1980s that tackles disturbing themes of white supremacy.
Although the story unfolds decades ago, the film’s themes feel unsettlingly relevant today.
Directed by Justin Kurzel, ‘The Order’ explores the roots of modern extremism, shining a light on the rise of hate groups in the U.S.
After making a splash at the Venice Film Festival this summer, the movie is set for release on December 6 by Vertical Entertainment, just a month after the U.S. presidential election.
Law, who also serves as a producer, joined his co-stars in a panel discussion hosted by SAG-AFTRA in Los Angeles, where they talked about the film’s deeper message and societal relevance.
Plot Overview: A Cat-and-Mouse Crime Thriller
In ‘The Order’, Jude Law plays an FBI agent on the hunt for a white supremacist group responsible for robberies and acts of violence in the Pacific Northwest.
His investigation leads him into a dangerous game with the group’s leader, Bob Matthews, played by Nicholas Hoult. Jurnee Smollett portrays a key character deeply affected by the group’s toxic ideology.
The screenplay, written by Zach Baylin, is adapted from ‘The Silent Brotherhood’, a 1989 nonfiction book by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt.
According to Law, the movie balances its heavy themes with the excitement of a genre thriller, embracing the cat-and-mouse dynamic without sacrificing the emotional depth of its characters.
A Timely Reflection of Today’s Social Issues
Though set in the 1980s, ‘The Order’ resonates with the present day, exploring the rise of hate speech, online extremism, and the normalization of divisive ideologies.
During the panel, Law emphasized how the film reflects America’s ongoing struggle with white supremacy.
The script was extraordinary—it’s about how these themes, sadly, form the origin of where we are now, Law explained.
We wanted to tell this story in a way that wasn’t too heavy-handed but still carried weight.
The film’s release also coincides with heightened political tension in the U.S.
In recent years, hate groups and neo-Nazi supporters have gained visibility, with events such as the Capitol attack in 2021 reflecting the enduring influence of extremist ideologies.
The Dangerous Influence of ‘The Turner Diaries’
One chilling element explored in the film is the influence of ‘The Turner Diaries’, a notorious 1978 novel authored by a white nationalist leader.
The novel plays a pivotal role in the story, with members of the Order idolizing it as a guiding philosophy.
Smollett highlighted the book’s disturbing relevance: It’s still present in our society—copies of it were found on the steps of the Capitol on January 6th.
She went on to explain how the film sheds light on how hatred spreads, starting at an early age:
It’s brainwashing that begins at infancy. These ideologies have been in our nation’s fabric from the very start and continue to poison our society.
Immersive Filmmaking Techniques to Build Tension
Kurzel’s direction also drew praise for enhancing the tension between characters.
Hoult, who portrays the enigmatic and dangerous Bob Matthews, revealed an interesting technique used on set: the director deliberately kept him away from Law for several weeks before their first scene together.
We’d already been filming for three or four weeks, Hoult recalled. When we finally met in character, the energy was electric.
The crew loved keeping us apart, and it definitely added to the dynamic between us. It gave me this buzz that carried into the scene.
Kurzel’s approach to the film—blending the suspense of a thriller with the gravity of a real-world issue—was essential to creating an engaging yet meaningful cinematic experience.
Critical Acclaim and Anticipation for Release
The film has already received praise from critics following its debut at the Venice Film Festival.
Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter described ‘The Order’ as a gripping, superbly made historical thriller.
He added, The film offers a tense reflection on American violence—something Hollywood doesn’t often explore on this level anymore.
With its December release set to follow the U.S. presidential election, ‘The Order’ is poised to spark conversations about the state of America’s social and political landscape.
Both a pulse-pounding thriller and a thought-provoking drama, the film delivers a sobering reminder of the dangers of extremism—and the enduring struggle to confront it.
Conclusion: A Powerful Blend of Genre and Message
The Order is more than just an intense crime thriller; it’s a timely exploration of America’s dark legacy of hatred and division.
With Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, and Jurnee Smollett delivering powerful performances, and Justin Kurzel’s masterful direction, the film promises to be a standout project this year.
As it hits theaters on December 6, ‘The Order’ offers viewers not just a compelling story but a reflection on the forces shaping today’s society.
image source by: imdb.com
