*The Order – featuring Jurnee Smollett – is an American crime story from Vertical Films that unravels the chilling narrative of domestic terrorism in the early 1980s.
Adapted from the 1989 nonfiction book The Silent Brotherhood by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, the film revisits the notorious crime spree of “The Order,” a white supremacist group responsible for bank robberies, bombings, and murder—the film stars Jude Law and Smollett, as FBI agent ‘Joanne Carney.”
Set against the backdrop of a divided nation, “The Order” explores the complexities of law enforcement navigating uncharted waters.
Agent Carney is one of the few Black women in the bureau investigating extremists bent on destruction.
In an exclusive conversation with EURweb, Smollett shared her insights into Joanne’s journey. Smollett revealed that Joanne’s character was initially written as male.
“It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that a Black woman even held the title of Special Agent,” Smollett explained.
She added: “Joanne’s role highlights the struggle and resilience of women breaking barriers in high-stakes environments.”
To prepare, Smollett conducted extensive research, including interviews with former Special Agents.
“These women spoke about being the ‘other’ and how personal some cases became,” she noted. “Joanne’s dedication is rooted in her understanding of what’s at stake—not just for herself but for future generations.”
The film shows the rise of domestic terrorism, with characters like Richard Butler sowing seeds of division. Smollett reflected on the story’s prescience.
“What’s haunting is how deliberate these actions were,” she said. They were setting a foundation for representatives in Congress and beyond. It’s chilling to see echoes of these efforts in today’s landscape.”
As “The Order” unfolds, the tension between law enforcement’s mission and the societal challenges of the time comes into sharp focus.
Carney teams up with Terry Husk (Law), a seasoned but disillusioned agent, and Jamie Bowen (Sheridan), a local cop with personal ties to the gang. Together, they navigate a volatile investigation that exposes the deep roots of hatred and extremism.
Asked whether the film offers room for empathy towards the perpetrators, Smollett responded thoughtfully:
“Our job as storytellers is to tell the truth and illuminate humanity. Whether it evokes empathy, judgment, or something else says more about the audience than our work.”
Smollett emphasized that the film doesn’t shy away from difficult questions about power and systemic inequality.
“We have to confront how institutions have historically excluded people of color and marginalized groups,” she asserted. “This film holds up a mirror to those realities.”
“The Order” will be in theatres beginning December 6.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
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