When Justin Kurzel’s 2024 crime thriller Jude Law’s The Order landed on Hulu April 18, few expected it to rock the streaming charts.
Yet the film—a tense, true-crime-inspired saga starring Jude Law as veteran FBI agent Terry Husk—quickly surged to the #1 spot on Hulu’s “Top 15 Today.” Against a backdrop of blockbuster titles and binge-worthy series, The Order’s quiet rise underscores the enduring power of a well-crafted mid-budget thriller.
1. From Modest Theatrical Run to Streaming Sensation
Originally released last August, The Order flew under many radars with just over $2 million grossed in North America.
Based on The Silent Brotherhood by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, the film reconnects with America’s extremist undercurrents now more relevant than ever. “The Order is as tense as crime thrillers get, and the fact that the film is based on real events makes the movie much more chilling,” notes one critic. Hulu’s audience, hungry for gripping, topical stories, has rewarded it with a streaming breakthrough.
2. A True-Crime Premise Strikes a Chord
At its core, Jude Law’s The Order follows Husk as he probes a string of violent Pacific Northwest bank robberies.
The twist? These heists serve as funding for a neo-Nazi plot to “overthrow the Federal Government.”
That blend of procedural intensity and political intrigue separates The Order from run-of-the-mill genre fare, offering viewers both the thrill of the chase and a sobering look at real-world radicalization.
3. The Vision Behind the Camera
Director Justin Kurzel—whose last feature was the harrowing Nitram (2021)—brings his signature, unflinching style to the material.
Screenwriter Zach Baylin (best known for The Crow and Creed III) crafts a lean, propulsive script that balances character depth with breakneck pacing. Their collaboration ensures Jude Law’s The Order never stalls, maintaining momentum from the first stolen dollar to the final showdown.
4. A Stellar Ensemble Elevates the Stakes
Jude Law anchors the film as Terry Husk with grizzled gravitas. He’s matched by:
- Nicholas Hoult as Bob Matthews, the charismatic militia leader.
- Tye Sheridan as Officer Jamie Bowen, whose idealism clashes with Husk’s cynicism.
- Jurnee Smollett as Agent Joanne Carney, adding fierce counterpoint to Husk’s methods.
“The Order plays out like an intense game of cat and mouse,” another review observes, and the actors’ chemistry fuels every twist and reveal.
5. Why Streaming Revived Its Fortunes
In an era when mid-budget films struggle to find theatrical footing, The Order’s streaming success is part of a growing trend: original features finding second lives on digital platforms. Hulu’s horror and thriller aficionados—accustomed to true-crime docs—embraced Jude Law’s The Order for its gritty realism and cultural resonance. Its leap to #1 suggests that platforms, not box office tallies, may be the truest measure of a film’s impact today.
6. Cultural Context and Resonance
Amid ongoing debates about domestic extremism, The Order taps into urgent social dialogues. By dramatizing real militia networks, the film resonates with viewers attuned to modern political flashpoints. Its success on Hulu thus reflects not just entertainment value but a collective hunger to understand—and confront—today’s darker undercurrents.
How to Watch and What’s Next
- Where to Stream: Hulu, available on all major devices.
- Runtime: 115 minutes—perfect for a single, edge-of-your-seat session.
- Viewer Advisory: Contains graphic violence and mature themes.
For those who missed its theatrical release, now is the ideal moment to catch Jude Law’s The Order—and witness the thriller that conquered Hulu.
Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is The Order based on true events? | Yes—it’s adapted from The Silent Brotherhood. |
| Why did it underperform at the box office? | Limited marketing and crowded summer slate. |
| Does it deserve a sequel? | Strong streaming numbers make a follow-up possible. |
