The Order press conference brought together Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, and director Justin Kurzel to discuss the resonance of the crime-drama with extremism in today’s world. The film delves into a series of bank robberies and car heists that terrorized communities in the Pacific Northwest during the 1980s. At the center of the story is a lone FBI agent (Law) who believes that the crimes were not simply financially motivated but orchestrated by a dangerous domestic terrorist group, specifically the white supremacist gang known as The Order, led by Hoult’s character. The narrative follows the intense battle between law enforcement and the far-right organization.
During the press conference, Hoult shared an interesting tidbit about his and Law’s approach to their characters in The Order. The actors decided not to speak to or interact with each other for the first four weeks of filming in order to create a sense of distance between them, reflecting the adversarial relationship between their characters on screen. Director Kurzel even tasked Hoult with trailing Law for a day without Law’s knowledge, adding to the tension and authenticity of their on-screen dynamic.
When questioned about the film’s relevance to the current divided political climate in the U.S., Law emphasized the undeniable connection, stating that the film felt like a necessary project for the present moment. Kurzel reinforced this sentiment by highlighting the themes of division and ideology present in the film, drawing parallels to the real-world conversations about the future and societal beliefs. Smollett added her perspective, noting that the history of America has long been plagued by bigotry and extremism, making The Order’s exploration of these themes both timeless and essential for reflection and learning.
Smollett’s comments on the role of art in reflecting society’s complexities and shedding light on the darker aspects of humanity resonated throughout the discussion. The team acknowledged the power of film as a tool for confronting historical injustices and highlighting the urgent need for social progress. Kurzel’s decision to adapt The Order from the non-fiction book The Silent Brotherhood by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt further underscores the film’s commitment to exploring real-world issues and sparking meaningful dialogue.
Kurzel revealed that he had been eager to make an American film for some time, drawing inspiration from classic 70s dramatic thrillers like The French Connection and Mississippi Burning. With writer Zach Baylin’s compelling script in hand, Kurzel saw The Order as a unique opportunity to delve into the intense, gritty storytelling that initially drew him to filmmaking. Known for his hard-hitting and visually striking films, Kurzel approached The Order as a chance to tackle challenging themes and showcase his distinctive directorial style on an international stage.
The Order press conference provided valuable insights into the film’s exploration of extremism, its relevance to contemporary society, and the creative process behind bringing this compelling narrative to life. With a talented cast and crew at the helm, The Order promises to be a thought-provoking and impactful entry in the crime-thriller genre, offering audiences a potent blend of entertainment and social commentary.