THE ORDER is a familiar plot point that will attract fans of domestic terrorism, the FBI, and small town crime. Jude Law leads an apt cast as an FBI agent trying to flush out a white supremacy group before they can build an army, and do more damage.
Synopsis: A series of bank robberies and car heists frighten communities in the Pacific Northwest. A lone FBI agent believes that the crimes were not the work of financially motivated criminals, but rather a group of dangerous domestic terrorists.
The film takes place in 1983. It is refreshing to watch a crime drama set before social media, high tech gadgetry, and the convenience of Google. There is a grit and grainy feel to the film that makes it timeless in style. Jude Law creates a character that we could have grown up watching weekly on ABC. FBI Agent Terry Husk (Law) has some struggles and ghosts of his own. His drive and desire is to right some wrongs and possibly make it all worth the journey
Another standout performance comes from Nicholas Hoult as the charismatic cult leader Bob Mathews. Bob is a radical leader rallying a group of white power, anti-government criminals. Bob and crew fund their actions by knocking off small town banks, and armored car heists. Husk joins the local police to figure out where they will strike next and shut it down.
Though set in 1983 there is no doubt that this sort of domestic terrorism is as rampant today. In 1988 we were watching films like Mississippi Burning which took place in the 60s. Sadly this sort of history is always repeating itself. THE ORDER is based on true events and sadly a man like Bob Mathews even gets his name mentioned at all; even if it is to show what a horrible human he was.
There is also a great performance from Tye Sheridan as local police deputy Jamie Bowen. Bowen is a young man with a passion for justice, frustrated that this is happening in his own backyard. Bowen teaming up with Husk is a good cop jaded FBI combination that is not new in cinema. The both have likable traits and add to the enjoyment of the film.
It is understandable that people aren’t flocking to the theater to see this one, but I recommend it as a streaming choice when it gets here. A strong story and good acting make it one to see on the smaller screen. THE ORDER is rated R for some strong violence, and language throughout.
About The Author
