RAAC’s next free movie will be The Order, a domestic terrorism thriller focused on the true story of how the FBI closed in on a violent anti-government militia in Freeland, Washington. In the 1980s, when the group was gathering adherents and weapons, counterfeiting money and robbing banks, local law enforcers, uneasy dealing with domestic terrorism threats, seemed to look the other way, until the arrival of a determined FBI agent, played by Jude Law.

The group magnetized ordinary citizens by emphasizing pride in family and religion, and the supremacy of white citizens over others. Clustered into an isolated compound on Whidbey Island, believers lent themselves to the urgent mission their leaders laid out: rescuing White Christian America from a communist takeover plot. Having accepted the premise that only violent upheaval could prevent disaster, the group moved into battle-mode, deaths multiplied, and loyalty to a mesmerizing cult leader went unquestioned.

Violent extremists make for violent movies, but in this one, the acting carries the day. Jude Law’s character exudes intelligence and commitment to a harrowing mission, while showing signs of age and exhaustion. There are several moments when dialogues lapse into silence, with facial expressions alone delivering the emotional punch.

The film is based on the 1989 non-fiction book The Silent Brotherhood: The Chilling Inside Story of America’s Violent, Anti-Government Militia Movement by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt. The film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in August where it competed for the Golden Lion award.

Though the movie screening is free, donations are welcome to offset production costs. Hearing assistance is available.