VENICE, Italy (AP) — At the Venice Film Festival, Jude Law steps into the role of an FBI agent delving into the violent activities of a white supremacist group in “The Order,” which premiered on Saturday. This intense thriller is based on Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt’s nonfiction book, “The Silent Brotherhood.”

In “The Order,” Nicholas Hoult portrays Robert Jay Mathews, the compelling leader of a group recognized as the most radical hate organization since the Ku Klux Klan. Their criminal operations, including bank heists and armored car robberies, were aimed at funding an armed revolution. These actions culminated in one of the largest FBI manhunts in history back in 1983.

Jude Law, who also produced the film, expressed his surprise upon discovering this relatively unknown story. “It was a narrative that felt urgent and necessary to bring to light,” Law shared. He further reflected on the relevance of historical stories that echo contemporary issues, emphasizing the timelessness of such narratives.

Law attended the festival in Italy accompanied by director Justin Kurzel and co-stars Nicholas Hoult, Jurnee Smollett, and Tye Sheridan. Law’s character, Agent Huss, is an amalgamation of various FBI agents rather than a depiction of a specific individual, designed to embody a broader representation within the story. “He symbolizes many of us,” Law noted. “Believing his toughest days were behind him, he faces his greatest challenge yet.”

Director Justin Kurzel, known for his 2015 rendition of “Macbeth” with Michael Fassbender, has long aspired to create an American film reminiscent of the gripping thrillers from the 1970s, such as “The French Connection,” “Mississippi Burning,” and “All the President’s Men.” Kurzel aimed to capture the simplicity and intensity of these classics in his filmmaking approach.

Nicholas Hoult found portraying Mathews challenging yet rewarding. He praised Kurzel for fostering a secure and innovative atmosphere on set, which was crucial as they delved into Mathews’ dark psyche. Interestingly, Hoult revealed that he only learned on their boat ride to Lido that Kurzel had instructed Law to shadow him for a day to get into character. This unique approach added a vibrant dynamic to their interactions. “Our first conversation was during our initial scene together,” Hoult recalled. “It created an incredible energy.”

The film’s contemporary relevance struck a chord with the cast and crew. While they refrained from commenting directly on the imminent U.S. presidential election, they hoped the film would resonate with audiences on its own merits. Jurnee Smollett reflected on America’s intricate history, noting that bigotry has been ingrained in the nation since its inception. “As artists, we hold a mirror up to society,” she explained. “We explore humanity’s complexity, its ugliness and darkness, to learn and hopefully avoid repeating past mistakes.”

“The Order” is in competition at Venice alongside films like “Maria,” “Babygirl,” “The Room Next Door,” “Queer,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Vertical Entertainment plans to release the film in theaters later this year.

For comprehensive coverage of the 2024 Venice Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival