Justin Kurzel’s crime thriller, The Order, made a riveting debut at the Venice Film Festival, drawing an impressive near 10-minute standing ovation from the Sala Grande audience. The world premiere of the film was an emotional affair for the cast and crew, who soaked in the overwhelming reception with open-hearted embraces in the gallery as applause echoed through the auditorium.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1980s Pacific Northwest, The Order plunges viewers into the gripping and tense world of bank robberies and car heists that rattle local communities. Jude Law leads the cast as an FBI agent with a strong intuition that these seemingly economically driven crimes are the sinister work of a domestic terrorist organization. This group, known as “The Order,” is a white supremacist gang spearheaded by a chilling performance from Nicholas Hoult.
The film’s plot is inspired by real-life events and is adapted from The Silent Brotherhood, a 1989 non-fiction book by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt. Through this meticulous adaptation, Kurzel captures the painstaking and danger-fraught clash between law enforcement and far-right extremists. The storyline not only unveils the violent operations of the terrorist group but also delves deep into the socio-political tensions that underline their horrifying agenda.
In the midst of the bustling activity at the Venice Film Festival, the red carpet was nothing short of a spectacle. The presence of stars like Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, and Jurnee Smollett, alongside director Justin Kurzel, turned the event into a glamorous affair that left both fans and critics in awe. The social media was abuzz with snapshots and tweets, one of which read, “#BiennaleCinema2024#Venezia81 It’s raining stars here at the Lido! #JudeLaw and @NicholasHoult, together with director #JustinKurzel and the rest of the cast of #TheOrder made our Red Carpet a real sensation tonight.” The excitement and energy of the evening undoubtedly set the tone for the premiere that would follow.
Earlier in the day, a candid press conference provided deeper insights into the making of The Order. Nicholas Hoult revealed a unique method he and Jude Law employed to amplify the tension between their characters. For the first four weeks of filming, the two actors deliberately avoided any off-screen interaction. This intentional distance was aimed at fostering a natural tension that would translate powerfully in their on-screen dynamics.
. Jude Law elaborated on the broader implications of the film, emphasizing its contemporary relevance. He poignantly remarked, “Sadly, the relevance speaks for itself. It felt like a piece of work that needed to be made now.”
Adding to Law’s sentiments, Justin Kurzel spoke on how the film mirrors current global divisions and the resurgence of dangerous ideologies. Kurzel noted that such themes transcend geographical boundaries, resonating not only in America but also bearing significance in his native Australia. This universality of the film’s message has already sparked conversations about its timely reflection on societal issues that many countries grapple with today.
Riding on the wave of its successful premiere, The Order is poised for a U.S. release in December. Its distribution is being handled by Amazon Prime Video, which guarantees the film’s availability in multiple international markets. The anticipation surrounding its release is palpable, especially after the electric debut in Venice.
A cinematic work like The Order, which intertwines thrilling action with pressing social commentary, serves as a reminder of the enduring power of film to both entertain and provoke thought. The compelling performances of the cast, the deft direction of Justin Kurzel, and the gripping narrative all contribute to making The Order a must-watch film that promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
As the Venice Film Festival continues to be a beacon of cinematic excellence, The Order’s astounding reception sets a high bar for subsequent entries. It’s evident that this film has struck a chord, resonating deeply with those who’ve experienced it, and promises to be a significant topic of discussion in the days to come.
