Venice Film Festival Spotlights 1980s White Supremacist Thriller

The 92-year-old Venice Film Festival is currently showcasing "The Order," a gripping thriller set in the 1980s that delves into the dark world of white supremacist movements in America. The film, which made its global debut at the festival, has garnered attention for its unsettling parallels to contemporary issues.

Jude Law, known for his versatile acting career spanning over three decades, takes on the role of a seasoned FBI agent in the film. Law's character relocates to the Pacific Northwest, a region historically associated with extremist group activities, seeking tranquility after a tumultuous stint combating organized crime. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in a dangerous pursuit of a white supremacist gang led by the charismatic Bob Mathews, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult.

The film's plot, rooted in actual events from four decades ago, explores the formation and operations of a radical right-wing group aiming to establish a "white homeland" through acts of terror and violence. This narrative bears a striking resemblance to more recent incidents, such as the involvement of the Proud Boys in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Law emphasized the film's timely relevance, stating, "Sadly the relevance I think speaks for itself ... It felt like a piece of work that needed to be made now." This sentiment was echoed by Australian director Justin Kurzel, who noted the alarming similarities between the ideologies depicted in the film and current extremist movements.

The movie sheds light on the FBI's ongoing efforts to combat domestic terrorism, a mission that has been part of the bureau's mandate since its establishment in 1908. It portrays the challenges faced by law enforcement in infiltrating and dismantling these tightly-knit, ideologically driven groups.

Hoult's portrayal of Mathews offers a chilling glimpse into the allure of extremist leaders. The actor revealed that his research for the role uncovered no specific catalyst for Mathews' bigotry, making the character's descent into extremism all the more unsettling.

"The scary thing about him ... was that he could be quite disarming ... and could probably put you under his spell."

The film also features Jurnee Smollett as part of the FBI team tracking Mathews. Smollett, who gained recognition for her role in "Friday Night Lights," stressed the importance of confronting racism through cinema, stating, "We get to explore the very complex sides of humanity, the ugliness, the darkness, in order for us to learn from it, and hopefully, to not repeat it."

"The Order" is among 21 films vying for the prestigious Golden Lion, the highest honor bestowed at the Venice Film Festival. The winner will be announced on September 7, 2024, marking the culmination of this year's event, which continues to be a significant platform for thought-provoking cinema addressing pressing social issues.