Venice, Italy — The Venice Film Festival witnessed an electrifying event as Justin Kurzel’s crime thriller, “The Order,” took center stage at its world premiere. With an ensemble cast headlined by Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, and Jurnee Smollett, the film brought the house down, earning over nine minutes of continuous standing ovation from the audience at the Sala Grande. As the applause swelled, the cast celebrated with heartfelt embraces, marking a triumphant reception.
The plot of “The Order” immerses viewers in the tumultuous setting of the 1980s Pacific Northwest. The narrative captures a gripping sequence of bank heists and car thefts that wreak havoc across local communities. Jude Law stars as a committed FBI agent who comes to suspect that these crimes are not merely opportunistic financially motivated acts. Instead, he believes they are orchestrated by a dangerous domestic terrorist group. This sinister organization, known as “The Order,” is led by a chilling character portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. The film is based on the 1989 non-fiction book, “The Silent Brotherhood” by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, which focuses on the violent clashes between law enforcement and far-right extremists during this turbulent period.
The star-studded red carpet event buzzed with excitement, further amplified by the presence of #BiennaleCinema2024 and #Venezia81 tags lighting up social media. Enthusiastic tweets like, “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,” underscored the overwhelming public and media attention.
During a pre-screening press conference, Nicholas Hoult revealed an intriguing aspect of the film’s production process. To create authentic tension and rivalry between their characters, Hoult and Law intentionally avoided interacting for the first four weeks of filming. This deliberate distance helped to build a palpable animosity and friction on-screen.
Jude Law also spoke about the contemporary relevance of “The Order,” underscoring its reflection on modern societal issues. Law stated, “Sadly, the relevance speaks for itself. It felt like a piece of work that needed to be made now,” drawing attention to the ongoing parallels between the film’s themes and today’s socio-political climate.
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Director Justin Kurzel echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that the film’s examination of extremist ideologies and widespread societal divisions is not limited to the United States. “While the film is set in America, it resonates globally, including in places like Australia. It’s a reflection of growing global divisions and the dangerous rise of far-right groups,” Kurzel commented.
“The Order” has already set international anticipation high with its powerful debut. Following its Venice premiere, the film is set to launch in the United States in December. Distribution will be handled by Amazon Prime Video, ensuring that audiences across multiple international markets will be able to view the film soon.
The film’s debut at Venice is a testament to its impactful storytelling and the compelling performances of its cast. Jude Law’s portrayal of the dedicated FBI agent is a particular highlight, offering a nuanced depiction of a man grappling with the rising tide of domestic terrorism. Nicholas Hoult’s transformation into the menacing leader of “The Order” equally captivated the audience, reflecting the actor’s range and intensity.
Jurnee Smollett and Tye Sheridan’s performances also drew praise, adding depth to the movie’s complex narrative. Smollett’s character, an investigative journalist, provides a critical perspective on the events, while Sheridan’s portrayal of a young recruit into the gang adds layers of tension and conflict.
At its core, “The Order” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radical ideologies and the impacts of extremism on society. By delving into the historical context of the 1980s, the film sheds light on how these movements gain traction and the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing their rise.
In conclusion, the enthralling premiere of “The Order” at the Venice Film Festival heralds a captivating film that resonates with contemporary issues, brought to life through stellar performances and masterful direction. As it prepares for its wider release, the film is poised to spark dialogue and leave an indelible impact on audiences around the world.
