Neo-Nazi Thriller ‘The Order’: Film Shows “Origin of Where We Are Now”
The performers in a panel discussion about their fact-based feature that centers on white supremacist group.
The stars of The Order are aware that their thriller, though set in the 1980s, tackles themes that feel contemporary and relevant
Director Justin Kurzel’s fact-based crime movie hits theaters December 6 from Vertica that premiered at the Venice Film Fest.
The gripping film follows an FBI agent (Jude Law) investigating a white supremacist group called the Order and its connection to robberies and other crimes in the Pacific Northwest.
“It was a terrific script with so much potential: the relevance; the timely nature of the themes within it; the fact that, in many ways, it’s oddly a sort of origin of where we are now, which we thought was a good way of investigating it without being too heavy-handed,” Law told the crowd. “Then, of course, it is folded into a genre movie. And that was something, when we got our director Justin Kurzel onboard, that became really apparent. He was very clear that he wanted to lean into the genre of the thriller and the cat-and-mouse element, but really elevate it through character and through truth and storytelling.”
The film feels particularly of the moment, arriving at a time of increased debate about racist views on social media and the support that former President Trump from neo-Nazis and hate groups.
This screening took place days after Trump-themed boat parade held Sunday in Florida, during which boaters displayed swastika flags and cheered for the presidential candidate who is facing Vice President Harris in the election.
“It starts so young, this level of brainwashing, this us-against-them mentality,” Smollett said about the film depicting young people being encouraged to spread hate. “It starts at infancy, and yes, we can look at where we are now in our nation and go, ‘How did we get here?’ But it’s unfortunately been in our fabric since our nation was founded. It continues to be perpetuated because it’s a disease we haven’t dug out.”
“That book was found on the steps of the Capitol on Jan. 6th,” shared Smollett, referencing the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building by Trump supporters. “It’s unfortunately quite relevant today.”
Additionally, the cast recalled Kunzel’s memorable tactics for helping to ratchet up the tension, with Hoult — who portrays Order leader Bob Matthews — explaining that the director kept him from meeting Law in person until their first scene together.
