In 1983, a group known as The Order, was robbing banks and armored trucks in an attempt to fund their coup of the United States Government. The group followed a blueprint in the book titled “The Turner Diaries” to see their actions come to fruition. That same book was said to have been found on some of the January 6th insurgents. Members of The Order are responsible for the murder of radio personality, Alan Berg, which plays a key part in this movie.
This is an incident in America’s history that I was not aware of. Director, Justin Kurzel, tells this story in a way that doesn’t feel like a “by-the-numbers” film. In fact he films it in a compelling way that you want to know how it plays out. Jude Law as FBI agent Terry Husk fully throws himself in this role as he tries to capture Bob Matthews, played by a terrifying Nicholas Hoult. Jurnee Smollett and Tye Sheridan round out the cast as FBI Agent Joanne Carney and the local officer, Jamie Bowen. Jaime grew up in the area and knows some of the members of The Order so his insight helps Agent Tusk.
As stated earlier, Nicholas Hoult, plays Bob Matthews who uses his charisma to enlist men into his group. Using the money they steal, they finance their campaign to purchase more weapons and spread their message of hate in the area. Hoult has had a stellar year with The Order, Juror #2, and Nosferatu. There are moments in this film where his charm draws you in and then he switches in a moment that you fear for your life. The interactions between Husk and Matthews are filled with tension right down to the climax of the movie.
The Order is a prime example of how insurrections are created and how people are convinced to believe that they are being held down by others. In the case of the members of the Order they feel that Jewish people are holding down the white man. Throughout the movie we see how members of the Order are engulfed in language of hate that they will do anything for their cause, even if it means killing someone. We see this in the movie with how Alan Berg is targeted by the group.
In a recent roundtable interview, we submitted a question regarding moments in the film that the actors needed to step away from because it felt too real. Listen to the audio below to hear their responses.
Final Thoughts: The Order is a tense True-Life thriller that highlights a scary moment in American history. Through the story of FBI Agent Terry Husk we see how groups like this are overlooked by local law enforcement until there is a real issue. The entire cast gives brilliant performances and Nicholas Hoult as Bob Matthews is truly terrifying.
Kid-Friendly: The movie is quick-paced that will keep the interest of kids. Although the content matter is a little extreme, it is good to see how these organizations are formed and how scary they can be to society.
Violence: The Order is based on a true story. The violence depicted by the group is shown in the movie.
For over a year, a series of bold daylight bank robberies and armored car heists leaves law enforcement baffled and the public panicked throughout the Pacific Northwest. As the attacks become increasingly violent, FBI agent Terry Husk (Jude Law) becomes convinced that the robberies are the work of a domestic terrorist gang that plan to use the loot to finance an armed uprising against the U.S. government.
Based on a true story, The Order follows Husk and his team into the tangled world of white supremacists to try to head off a violent uprising that could shatter the nation. As the militia builds a war chest of over $4 million, Husk pursues the malevolent racist Bob Mathews to a final bloody standoff that will go down in U.S. history.