The Order Review: Jude Law and Tye Sheridan Investigate a White Supremacist Group in Justin Kurzel’s Latest True Crime Thriller

   November 10, 2024
Jude Law, Jurnee Smollett and Tye Sheridan in The Order (2024)
Jude Law, Jurnee Smollett and Tye Sheridan in The Order (2024)

The Order may not offer anything particularly new by industry standards, but Justin Kurzel‘s direction keeps the film engaging and intriguing as the story unfolds. It’s well-made and interesting, even though it draws on themes and styles found in many similar movies. While some argue that Hollywood no longer makes films like it used to, The Order feels like it came from a different time.

The movie gains momentum from powerful performances by Jude Law (Firebrand, Peter Pan & Wendy), Tye Sheridan (The Card Counter, The Tender Bar), and Nicholas Hoult (The Favourite, The Menu, Renfield). Each actor brings a unique strength to the story. Jude Law stands out as Terry Husk, a grizzled FBI agent drawn to a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Husk is there to investigate a string of crimes, including bank robberies, bombings, and suspicious deaths. He suspects these incidents may be linked to a group of former white nationalists looking to control the community.

Tye Sheridan plays Jamie Bowen, an unassuming cop and family man who helps Husk navigate the local community. More familiar with the families tied to the crimes, Bowen often acts as a mediator between Husk and the people he’s investigating.

Nicholas Hoult plays Robert Mathews, the white nationalist leader. He presents a deceptive, softer side that convinces those around him. Living with two women, he manipulates his followers to commit crimes that threaten the community. Hoult’s performance is chilling and highly effective.

These performances, along with a carefully paced script, elevate the film from feeling generic or basic. The Order becomes a thrilling three-way drama, driven by Justin Kurzel’s focus on details. The first half spends time developing each character, making it less action-packed than typical old-school crime thrillers. However, the film uses its story and resources effectively, keeping you engaged with its steady pacing.

A few of the performances stand out, especially Jude Law’s. His worn, weary portrayal is one of my favorite performances of the year. While Law has been admired in the past, he’s never fully sought out for roles like this. The Order features one of his best performances since The Talented Mr. Ripley, offering a stark contrast to his usual roles.

Sheridan, Hoult, and a strong supporting cast, including Alison Oliver (Saltburn), Jurnee Smollett (Eve’s Bayou, Spiderhead), and Marc Maron, add depth to The Order with well-developed characters. The stakes in Kurzel’s story feel genuine, and the director maintains a strong grasp on the narrative throughout.

The movie loses some momentum in its third act, which attempts to draw a spiritual connection between Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult’s characters. While the duality between them is hinted at throughout, it’s not fully explored, and the conclusion didn’t entirely convince me.

Despite its flaws, The Order is one of the best thrillers of 2024. The strong performances support a lean script, while Justin Kurzel’s precise direction keeps the film sharp and engaging.

Score: 7/10

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