Justin Kurzel’s crime thriller, The Order, made a grand debut at the highly anticipated Venice Film Festival, drawing an extended standing ovation from the audience at Sala Grande that lasted nearly 10 minutes. The film’s world premiere was attended by a stellar cast including Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, and Jurnee Smollett, who joined Kurzel in celebrating the monumental reception. The cast members exchanged embraces in the gallery as the applause resounded throughout the venue.
Set in the turbulent 1980s Pacific Northwest, The Order tells the intense and gripping tale of a series of bank robberies and car heists that leave local communities in a state of terror. Jude Law takes on the role of an FBI agent convinced that these criminal activities go beyond mere financial gain. He suspects that the crimes are orchestrated by a dangerous domestic terrorist group, a white supremacist gang called “The Order,” led by Nicholas Hoult’s compelling character. The film is rooted in historical context, being based on the 1989 non-fiction book The Silent Brotherhood by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, which explores the violent clash between law enforcement and far-right extremists.
The Venice Film Festival has always been a premier platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, and this year was no exception. With the hashtag #BiennaleCinema2024 and #Venezia81 trending, the red carpet event transformed the Lido into a star-studded affair. Appearing together, Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult, alongside director Justin Kurzel and the rest of the cast, brought an electrifying presence to the festival. The Order has already sparked considerable buzz and anticipation for its U.S. release scheduled for December, with Amazon Prime Video set to distribute it in several international markets.
At a press conference earlier in the day, Nicholas Hoult revealed an intriguing piece of behind-the-scenes strategy. To enhance the authenticity of their on-screen tension, Hoult and Law deliberately avoided interacting for the first four weeks of filming. This method acting technique was aimed at fostering a palpable sense of animosity between their characters, which was essential for the film’s authenticity. Jude Law added depth to the conversation by highlighting the film’s contemporary relevance.
. “Sadly, the relevance speaks for itself. It felt like a piece of work that needed to be made now,” Law stated, touching on the film’s timely themes.
Director Justin Kurzel also weighed in, reflecting on the film’s wider societal implications. He commented that the dangerous ideologies and societal divisions portrayed in The Order are not just pertinent to America but resonate globally, including in his native Australia. Kurzel’s insights underscore the movie’s examination of the pervasive and destructive nature of extremist beliefs in modern times, making it a poignant piece that goes beyond mere entertainment.
Critics and cinephiles alike have lauded The Order for its meticulous craftsmanship and powerful narrative. The film’s success at Venice can also be attributed to its high-octane sequences and the profound performances of its lead actors. Jude Law’s portrayal of the determined FBI agent is both riveting and layered, capturing the complexities of a man battling for justice against the backdrop of a morally grey world. On the other hand, Nicholas Hoult’s chilling depiction of the antagonist adds a strikingly dark dimension, making the audience ponder the real-life horrors of hate-fueled violence.
Tye Sheridan and Jurnee Smollett round out the ensemble with their dynamic performances, each bringing unique flavors to their characters that enrich the overall narrative. The film’s cinematography, combined with a haunting score, amplifies the tension and drama, making The Order a visual and emotional feast.
As the film gears up for its wider release, the overwhelmingly positive reception at Venice sets a promising tone for its journey ahead. Given its raw portrayal of real-world issues through a dramatic lens, The Order is expected to spark conversations and perhaps even controversy, as all impactful art tends to do. Its debut at such a prestigious festival not only signifies its potential success but also cements Justin Kurzel’s reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle weighty and significant subjects.
In conclusion, The Order stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that reflects societal issues while providing gripping entertainment. The Venice Film Festival was just the beginning for this remarkable film, with many eyes eagerly awaiting its release in December.
