Forty years after the FBI’s 1984 standoff with Robert Jay Mathews on Whidbey Island, the story of the white supremacist leader and his group, The Order, is being revisited in The Order. The film, directed by Justin Kurzel and starring Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult, hits theaters Friday.
Set against a backdrop of violent crimes, including armed robberies and the infamous murder of Jewish radio host Alan Berg, The Order blends historical drama with a pulse-pounding thriller style inspired by the great heist films of the 1970s.
Plot and Inspiration
Based on the book The Silent Brotherhood by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, the film follows an FBI agent (Law) as he uncovers the violent trail of The Order, leading to the explosive standoff on Whidbey Island. Hoult portrays Mathews, the enigmatic and dangerous leader of the group whose ideology continues to resonate in some far-right circles today.
The relevance of the story became chillingly apparent to Kurzel after seeing The Turner Diaries, Mathews’ inspiration, resurface during the Capitol riots on January 6, 2020.
Creating Complex Characters
The script avoids overt judgment or sympathy for Mathews, presenting him and his followers as complex figures. Hoult, tasked with bringing Mathews to life, delved deeply into the unsettling ideology that shaped the character, while Law, also a producer, championed the nuanced storytelling.
To enhance the tension between their characters, Kurzel kept Law and Hoult apart during filming, adding raw energy to their on-screen encounters.
Challenges of Independent Filmmaking
As an independent production, The Order faced hurdles of time and budget. Bank heists and action sequences were shot in single days, creating a frantic energy that lent authenticity to the chaos on screen. A wildfire ban in Alberta almost derailed the climactic showdown, but lifted just in time.
Critical Acclaim and Resonance
Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, The Order has garnered acclaim for its gripping storytelling and eerie timeliness. Law reflects on the project’s success, emphasizing the importance of timing and audience connection.
The Order is both a compelling thriller and a sobering reminder of history’s lingering shadows, combining edge-of-your-seat action with a deep exploration of extremism’s roots.
