In “The Order,” a chilling docudrama capturing the roots of the 1980s American white supremacist surge, one scene stands out for its unsettling clarity. On a remote Idaho road, Richard Butler (Victor Slezak), the founder of the Aryan Nations, meets with Bob Matthews (Nicholas Hoult), a former follower turned rogue.
While Butler embodies a polished, politically astute brand of racism, Matthews has taken a darker, more radical path, believing the Aryan Nations movement to be too restrained. He envisions an armed revolution, leading a ragtag group called the Order, inspired by the fictional revolutionaries in “The Turner Diaries.”
This group, akin to domestic terrorists, bombs synagogues and robs banks, funding their crusade against the U.S. government. Their crimes, escalating in brutality, include the cold-blooded murder of a fellow member.
Butler, wary of Matthews’ reckless violence, warns him that their movement must avoid criminality to infiltrate mainstream politics. He chillingly predicts that, with the right strategy, white supremacists could hold seats in Congress within a decade—a prophecy disturbingly accurate in its foresight.
“The Order,” directed by Justin Kurzel and penned by Zach Baylin, is both a gripping crime saga and a meticulously researched portrayal of white supremacy’s evolution. Kurzel’s direction, enhanced by Adam Arkapaw’s cinematography, captures the stark beauty of the Pacific Northwest while immersing viewers in the tense, methodical world of amateur criminals. The film’s authenticity shines through in its portrayal of the FBI’s painstaking investigation, led by Jude Law’s portrayal of Terry Husk, a seasoned yet broken agent.
Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Matthews is both terrifying and humanizing, embodying the insidious nature of extremist ideology. “The Order” serves as a haunting reminder of the thin line between mainstream political movements and their violent undercurrents, echoing today’s rising tide of nationalism and extremism.