The team behind The Order, including actors Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, and director Justin Kurzel, recently held a press conference in Venice to discuss the crime-drama’s resonance with extremism today. The film charts a series of bank robberies and car heists that struck fear in communities in the Pacific Northwest during the 1980s. At the heart of the story is a lone FBI agent (Law) who believes that the crimes were not the work of financially motivated criminals, but rather a group of dangerous domestic terrorists, specifically the white supremacist gang known as The Order, led by Hoult in the film.
Building Distance Between Characters
During the press conference, Hoult revealed an interesting detail about the filming process. He and Law, who play adversaries in the film, did not speak or interact with each other for the first four weeks of filming. This was a deliberate effort to build distance between their characters and establish a sense of tension on screen. Additionally, Hoult was tasked by director Kurzel to trail Law for a day without the fellow actor knowing, adding another layer of complexity to their on-screen dynamic.
When asked about the film’s relevance to the current political climate in the U.S., Law commented on how sadly the relevance speaks for itself. He emphasized the importance of creating work that reflects the present day and explores relevant themes. Director Kurzel echoed this sentiment, pointing out the division and conversations about ideology that are prevalent in society today, mirroring the themes explored in the film.
Art as a Reflection of Society
Actress Jurnee Smollett delved into the complexity of American history and the pervasive nature of bigotry throughout the nation’s past. She highlighted the role of art in holding a mirror up to society, reflecting its darker aspects, and serving as a tool for learning and growth. Smollett emphasized the privilege that artists have in shedding light on the injustices of history and advocating for change through their work.
The Silent Brotherhood
Based on the 1989 non-fiction book “The Silent Brotherhood” by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, The Order delves into the dangerous world of domestic terrorism and extremist ideologies. Kurzel, who directed the film, expressed his long-standing desire to make an American movie inspired by the dramatic thrillers of the 70s that had influenced him as a filmmaker. With the support of writer Zach Baylin’s script, Kurzel saw an opportunity to explore these themes in a compelling narrative.
The crime-thriller, directed by Kurzel and written by Baylin, is set to be released in the U.S. by Vertical in December, with Amazon Prime Video handling distribution in multiple international markets. Kurzel, known for his hard-hitting films such as “Nitram” and “Macbeth,” brings a unique perspective to The Order, offering audiences a thought-provoking exploration of extremism and its impact on society.