Jude Law steps into the role of an FBI agent delving into the violent activities of a white supremacist group in the gripping drama “The Order.” The film is set to premiere this Saturday at the Venice Film Festival, promising an intense exploration of one of the most radical hate groups since the Ku Klux Klan.

Adapted from Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt’s nonfiction book “The Silent Brotherhood,” the film features Nicolas Hoult as Robert Jay Mathews, the charismatic yet dangerous leader of this extremist group. Mathews’ organization engaged in a series of heinous crimes, including bank robberies and armored car heists, to fund their vision of an armed revolution. These actions sparked one of the largest FBI manhunts in 1983, a historical event that remains largely unknown to many.

Jude Law, who not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer, expressed his astonishment at discovering this untold story. “It felt like a piece of history that needed to be brought to light now,” he said. Law emphasized the relevance of past events to contemporary issues, highlighting how historical narratives often mirror present-day realities.

Accompanying Law to Italy for the film’s premiere are director Justin Kurzel and co-stars Nicolas Hoult, Jurnee Smollett, and Tye Sheridan. Law’s character, Agent Huss, is a composite figure representing many FBI agents from that era. This creative decision was crucial for integrating him seamlessly into the story. “He embodies a lot of us,” Law noted. “He thought his toughest challenges were behind him, only to face his greatest battle ahead.”

Justin Kurzel, known for his 2015 adaptation of “Macbeth” starring Michael Fassbender, has long aspired to create an American film inspired by the dramatic thrillers of the 1970s, such as “The French Connection,” “Mississippi Burning,” and “All the President’s Men.” He aimed to infuse “The Order” with the same classic simplicity and intensity that defined those iconic films.

Nicolas Hoult acknowledged the difficulty of portraying such a complex and dark character as Robert Jay Mathews. He praised Kurzel for fostering a safe and creative environment that allowed the cast to deeply explore these challenging roles. Hoult shared an interesting tidbit about their preparation: Kurzel had instructed Law to follow him around for a day to better understand his character. “Our first conversation happened during our initial scene together,” Hoult revealed. “It brought a unique energy to our interactions.”

The film’s themes resonate strongly with current societal issues. While the cast refrained from commenting directly on the upcoming U.S. presidential election, they expressed hope that the film would speak volumes on its own. Jurnee Smollett pointed out the enduring presence of bigotry in America. “The history of America is very complex,” she stated. “This level of bigotry has been part of our nation since its inception. As artists, we hold up a mirror to society, exploring humanity’s complexities—the ugliness and darkness—so we can learn and avoid repeating past mistakes.”

“The Order” competes at Venice alongside other anticipated films like “Maria,” “Babygirl,” “The Room Next Door,” “Queer,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Vertical Entertainment is set to release the film in theaters later this year, offering audiences a powerful look at a dark chapter in American history through the lens of compelling storytelling and profound performances.