The Order
The Order
A series of bank robberies and car heists frightened 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.
Spoons reviewedFebruary 8, 2025
The Order delivers a gripping, if familiar, procedural narrative, elevated by strong performances and breathtaking scenery. While it doesn’t stray far from the conventions of the genre, it’s the underlying historical context and unsettling modern parallels that make it linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
Jude Law brings gravitas to his role as a determined FBI agent investigating a series of violent crimes tied to a far-right extremist group. He’s all furrowed brows, tense silences, and the kind of man who’s seen too much to be surprised but can’t stop himself from caring. Law’s performance anchors the film, offering a steady, brooding presence that contrasts sharply with Nicholas Hoult’s role as the antagonist—the selfish, single-minded leader of the militant faction. Hoult leans into his character’s ruthless obsession with his mission, showing little regard for those around him. His portrayal is chilling not because of any charm, but because of his cold, unwavering infatuation with his cause.
Visually, The Order is stunning. The cinematography captures sweeping landscapes and stark urban decay with equal skill, creating a world that feels both beautiful and oppressive. It’s a fitting backdrop for a story that’s as much about the setting’s history as it is about the characters within it.
The film’s foundation in true events from the 1980s adds a chilling layer, especially when considering the rise of fascist ideologies today. From the echoes of January 6th to disturbing cultural nods like Elon Musk’s on-stage Nazi salutes and MMA fighters casually revising history to suggest “Hitler wasn’t too bad.” The Order serves as a stark warning, reminding us that the horrors of the past are not as distant as we’d like to believe. It’s a sobering reflection on how certain subcultures and political groups continue to perpetuate these dangerous ideologies.
While the film might not reinvent the wheel, its timely relevance and strong performances make it a must-watch for those interested in stories where history’s dark shadows stretch into the present.
A solid, visually striking procedural that packs a punch with its historical resonance and timely warnings, even if it doesn’t break new ground narratively.
If you like modern cop noir movies like Zodiac, Seven, True Detective or Wind River then this is for you.