Jude Law stars as an FBI agent delving into the brutal activities of a white supremacist group in the film “The Order,” debuting at the Venice Film Festival. Adapted from the nonfiction book “The Silent Brotherhood” by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, Nicolas Hoult portrays Robert Jay Mathews, the magnetic leader of the radical hate group that conducted egregious crimes like bank heists and armored car robberies to finance their armed revolution in 1983.
Law, who also served as a producer, expressed his astonishment at discovering a previously untold story that he believed was timely to be brought to the screen. He highlighted the significance of unearthing narratives from the past that resonate with modern times.
Accompanied by the film’s director, Justin Kurzel, and fellow cast members Hoult, Jurnee Smollett, and Tye Sheridan, Law made an appearance in Italy for the film’s premiere. His character, Agent Huss, was intentionally crafted as a blend of various FBI agents rather than being based on a specific individual to effectively convey his role in the narrative.
Kurzel, known for directing the 2015 adaptation of “Macbeth,” expressed his aspiration to create an American film akin to the gripping thrillers from the 1970s, aiming for a narrative simplicity reminiscent of classics like “The French Connection” and “All the Presidents’ Men.”
Hoult found the story and characters challenging but commended Kurzel for fostering a supportive and innovative environment as they delved into the complexities of Mathews. Describing an incident where Kurzel encouraged Law to shadow him for character preparation, Hoult emphasized the dynamic energy it brought to their performances.
While steering clear of explicit commentary on the upcoming U.S. election, the cast acknowledged the film’s resonance with current events. They emphasized their role as artists in reflecting society’s multifaceted nature and exploring the darker facets of human behavior to learn from history and prevent its repetition.
Screening in competition at the Venice Film Festival alongside other notable titles, “The Order” is scheduled for a theatrical release later this year through Vertical Entertainment.
