The Order (R, 2003)

In this religious mystery/thriller, Father Alex Bernier (Heath Ledger) is sent to Rome to investigate the murder of the head of his secret sect, the Carolingians. In Rome, Bernier is aided in his investigation by his old friend Father Garrett (Mark Addy) and artist Mara (Shannyn Sossamon). The investigation uncovers the possibility that others may have also been killed in a religious ritual involving a "sin eater," who absorbs another person's sins by eating a piece of bread that was placed on the subject's chest just before death.

There are so many things wrong with THE ORDER. The plot provides many opportunities for boring and pretentiously portentous dialogue that sounds like a bad parody: "You surpass even the Jesuits in your heretical search for knowledge," or "Knowledge is the enemy of faith," or "We're the Catholic Pete, Linc, and Julie." Yep, we can always use a Mod Squad reference in what is supposed to be a dark and disturbing gothic thriller.

Also, scenes are either washed out or too dark. Settings feature the typical crumbling manuscripts and dripping candles, a decaying mansion, an underground lair, a graveyard at midnight. A pair of silent children are supposed to look threatening, but they just look like a Keene painting. Finally, there is no energy to move the narrative along, dissipating any tension and providing much too much time to dwell on the logical inconsistencies.

Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Brian Helgeland
Cast: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Shannyn Sossamon
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 102 minutes
Theatrical release: September 4, 2003
DVD release: December 29, 2003
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: violent images, sexuality and language