Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult star in the gripping cop drama “The Order,” directed by Justin Kurzel. Known for his intense films about real-life murderers, Kurzel takes viewers on a journey through the Pacific Northwest in 1983 and 1984, where a group of white supremacists wreak havoc.
### A Tale of White Supremacy and FBI Pursuit
Nicholas Hoult portrays Bob Mathews, the leader of the supremacist group, who is determined to take action against those he believes threaten the Caucasian future of the United States. Jude Law plays FBI Agent Terry Husk, a grizzled veteran on Mathews’ trail. Law’s performance adds depth to the character, making him more than just a cop-movie cliché.
### Stellar Performances and Nerve-Jangling Action
The cast of “The Order” delivers superb performances, with the locations and period setting evoked beautifully. The violent robberies and shoot-outs are staged with a nerve-jangling ferocity reminiscent of Michael Mann’s “Heat.” However, the film falls short in creating a propulsive thriller plot, with a screenplay that lacks progression and depth.
### Echoes of True History of the Kelly Gang
“The Order” draws parallels to Kurzel’s previous work, “True History of the Kelly Gang,” but presents a more somber and conventional drama. The film showcases the charismatic cast, evocative settings, and period details effectively, but struggles to build momentum and excitement. While individual scenes work well, they fail to come together cohesively to drive the plot forward.
### A Slow-Burning Cat-and-Mouse Game
As Mathews executes his plans with expert efficiency, the FBI agents, including Husk, struggle to keep up. The slow pace at which clues are pieced together may leave viewers wanting more urgency in the investigation. Despite Law’s compelling portrayal of Husk, the character’s reckless and impulsive nature adds a layer of complexity to the cat-and-mouse dynamic between him and Mathews.
### Concerns of Misinterpretation
One potential concern with “The Order” is the portrayal of Mathews as a charismatic and efficient criminal mastermind. While this may be an accurate depiction, there is a risk of glorifying his actions and beliefs. The film’s slow pace and lack of a clear investigative progression may unintentionally paint Mathews in a more favorable light than intended.
### Final Thoughts
In conclusion, “The Order” offers a compelling portrayal of a dark chapter in American history, with standout performances from Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult. While the film excels in capturing the intensity of its subject matter, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and gripping narrative. Viewers may appreciate the attention to detail and the performances, but may find themselves wanting more in terms of plot development and pacing. Despite its flaws, “The Order” remains a thought-provoking and visually striking film that sheds light on the dangers of extremism and the complexities of law enforcement in the face of domestic terrorism.