Jude Law, the 51-year-old British actor who last garnered Oscar attention for his role in Cold Mountain (2003), is making waves once again with his portrayal of an FBI agent on the hunt for domestic terrorists in The Order, directed by Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel. After a strong reception at its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 31, the film has continued to gain momentum at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). With critics and audiences alike embracing the project, Law’s powerful performance is generating significant awards season buzz.
Based on The Silent Brotherhood, a 1989 book by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, The Order delves into the FBI’s intense pursuit of a domestic terrorist group in the 1980s. The screenplay was adapted by Zach Baylin, who recently earned an Oscar nomination for his work on King Richard. The film shines a light on the FBI’s real-life investigation into a violent white supremacist organization, but at its heart lies Jude Law’s portrayal of Terry Husk, a weary, world-worn FBI agent whose personal demons are as menacing as the terrorists he tracks.
Gone is the youthful, pretty-boy image that Law was once known for in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and Cold Mountain, which both earned him Academy Award nominations. Now, at 51, Law’s weathered appearance and years of professional and personal growth have transformed him into a more nuanced and seasoned actor. This is evident in The Order, where he channels a brooding intensity reminiscent of Gene Hackman’s iconic roles in films like The French Connection and Mississippi Burning. Law’s character, Terry Husk, has retreated to Idaho, seeking solace and a quieter life, but is soon thrust back into action when he uncovers a string of crimes tied to a Neo-Nazi group called The Order, led by the enigmatic Bob Mathews, played with chilling conviction by Nicholas Hoult.
The story’s setting in 1983 may seem distant, but its themes are disturbingly relevant to the present day. The white supremacist rhetoric and violence depicted in the film mirror the ideologies that continue to fuel extremist movements in America today, from the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The film’s source material, William Luther Pierce’s notorious 1978 novel The Turner Diaries, has inspired real-world acts of terror and continues to be a troubling influence.
While The Order is undeniably dark, Law’s performance is a beacon of brilliance, grounding the film in a raw, human struggle. His portrayal of Husk is marked by deep internal conflict and quiet intensity, making it a standout in his long and varied career. His character’s pursuit of justice is not just a professional endeavor, but a personal mission haunted by the ghosts of past failures and missed opportunities. It’s the kind of role that feels like it could finally earn Law his long-overdue recognition from the Academy.
Nicholas Hoult, playing the young, fanatical Bob Mathews, also delivers a compelling performance, embodying the frightening charisma of a domestic terrorist leader. The tension between his character and Law’s Terry Husk drives the film’s narrative, creating a gripping cat-and-mouse dynamic that leaves a trail of bloodshed and devastation.
As The Order gears up for its limited release in the U.S. on December 6 through Vertical, it’s clear that the film will face challenges at the box office. Its heavy themes and grim subject matter may deter some audiences, but those who do engage with it will likely find it eerily timely and hard-hitting. Vertical may be wise to market the film to fans of crime dramas like True Detective, as the film’s tone and atmosphere carry similar weight.
For Jude Law, this could be the film that marks his resurgence on the awards circuit. After years of strong, yet often overlooked performances, The Order showcases a new level of depth in his craft. Following his standout role as Henry VIII in last year’s Firebrand, Law seems poised for a career renaissance. With The Order, he has proven that not only has he survived the ups and downs of Hollywood, but he has come through stronger, more versatile, and with a deeper understanding of the roles he inhabits.
As the film continues its festival circuit and prepares for release, Law’s performance is one that voters should not ignore. With whispers of a potential Oscar nomination, The Order may very well be the vehicle that brings Jude Law back into the awards season spotlight after a 21-year absence.
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