The Order – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Order – Ideal Crime in the Blind: A Northwest Thriller

Stories are a creative exploration of one’s thought.  No matter the inspiration, stories put you on a path of discovery where realistic and fictitious endeavors become one in the same.  In film, stories lead you through visual expressions, providing a grip for an indelible escape.  No matter the inspirational measures, the truth of what becomes is a manner of … did you feel something in the end.  In this review, I look at the latest true event inspired film.  Focus on specific events in the 1980s, this is a tale of how delusions lead to tragedy.  With a strong cast of characters, The Order is an intense thriller that showcases what is the true ideal of justice for all.   

After a series of bank robberies and deaths rocks the Pacific Northwest, a lone FBI agent will have to piece together the evidence and stop a dangerous domestic terrorist from achieving his goals.  At the heart of dramatic storytelling is the mark of choice.  Within a journey, emotional fortitude becomes a manner of how filmmakers catalyze characters through motivations and consequences.  With this film, it is marked by true events but evolves organically by its strong lead characters.  In the beginning, we come into this world through the drop-in method, witnessing certain tragedy combined with the reopening of an FBI office in Northern Idaho.  Through general conversations, we learn that FBI agent Terry Husk (Jude Law), reopened the office because of a series of unusual bank robberies in the Pacific Northwest.  He believes that these heists aren’t random and have some link to the domestic terrorist groups living in Northern Idaho.  Paralleling this is the introduction to Bob Matthews (Nicholas Hoult), who has orchestrated these bank robberies for a ‘specific’ reason (foreshadowing).  With our two leads on opposite ends of the law, the story slowly begins to move through a linear directive that sees Husk slowly piece together the evidence that can link Matthews to the crime.  On the surface, the foundation is built on simple character drama wrapped within a ‘cat-and-mouse’ motif.  While this might bring most storytelling down, the methodical pacing builds up an ominous tone, creating a playground wrapped around a cathartic emotional feel.  Seeing these two maneuvering through the situation reveals a deep character motive, showcasing an idealism of both Husk and Matthews’ perspective.  Through their own personal reasons, you have a raw look into the ongoing social aspect of the 1980s, and the American vision of what is believed to be ‘righteous’ for both individuals.  To see this unfold through deliberate direction creates a place for visceral reactions, giving the audience a reason to follow the case to its ultimate end. 

As Husk builds the case, he recruits local officer Jamie Bowen (Tye Sheridan) and fellow FBI agent Joanne Carney (Jurnee Smollett) into the investigation.  As Husk slowly gets closer to Matthews, Matthews begins to go after bigger heists and murders.  These moments add to the emotional tension, slowly building towards the (predictable) confrontations (that are inspired by true events).  With everything coming to head, more unexpected deaths happen, leading into a third act of the ultimate showdown between the domestic terrorist and the FBI.  Left to their own vices, everything comes full circle in the climax and epilogue.  The Order is an adaptation that has strong characters in a familiar crime drama.  If you are a fan of those involved, crime dramas or true event films, this is one for you.  I say it is worth seeing on the big screen. 

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)