Writer/director Kelly Reichardt’s latest film, The Mastermind, was one of my biggest surprises of 2025. That’s not only coming from a fan of her work but also from the way The Mastermind subverts expectations. Set in the 1970s against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the story follows J.B. Mooney (Josh O’Connor). Living in Massachusetts with his wife, Terri (Alana Haim), and two children, Mooney meticulously plans an art heist. The question is not whether he can get away with it, but what happens next?
Josh O’Connor as J.B. Mooney in THE MASTERMIND. Photo courtesy of MUBI.
Reichardt is by no means a filmmaker for a mass audience. Her films, including thrillers (Night Moves), westerns (Meek’s Cutoff), western thrillers (First Cow), and dramas (Certain Women), deconstruct genres, shredding any ounce of predictability. If that sort of story choice works for you, then The Mastermind will surely deliver.
In large part, the film’s success is due to O’Connor’s central performance. Recent films like Challengers (2024), Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025), and Rebuilding (2025) have put O’Connor on the map. The Mastermind has O’Connor tap into an unlikability that subverts viewer expectations, forcing audiences to re-evaluate everything they know about him as a performer. For some actors, that can be difficult to pull off. O’Connor, however, delivers a fascinatingly nuanced performance.
Alana Haim as Terri Mooney in THE MASTERMIND. Photo courtesy of MUBI.
Major credit also has to be given to the screenplay by Reichardt. Largely not interested in plot, she likes to give an inciting incident, allowing characters to react to the events. To be clear, The Mastermind is not a heist movie; it’s about what happens afterward. This includes all of the conversations, big and small, had by the characters in J.B.’s orbit. With a lesser supporting cast, that proposition could be significantly less interesting. Like with all of Reichardt’s films, the supporting cast of The Mastermind is just a cavalcade of talent, including Alaina Haim (The Drama), Bill Camp (Drive-Away Dolls), Hope Davis (Asteroid City), Gaby Hoffman (C’Mon C’mon), and John Magaro (First Cow). While the parts are rather small, they all leave a strong impression. Instead of serving just as exposition machines in the J.B. character’s world, they all feel like people with their own history. Yet, they also exist as a reality check for someone like J.B, believing himself to be a “mastermind” in his own story, making the film equal parts thoughtful and understated in its execution.
With this being a review of the Blu-ray release, it’s best to decipher what makes the film a special experience. This is the first standard Blu-ray release with 1080p picture quality, which took my breath away. There is a warmth on display that makes the film inherently cozy. As a Reichardt fan, my only disappointment is the lack of special features. The only one included is “The Mastermind: Unwinding the Heist Film,” a 14-minute featurette. Unfortunately, the featurette is not a behind-the-scenes tribute. Instead, it is a reference and video essay to the filmmakers who influenced Reichardt (Robert Bresson and Jean-Pierre Melville). It is undoubtedly an impressive tribute, but not a “make or break” factor in justifying a purchase.
Josh O’Connor as J.B. Mooney in THE MASTERMIND. Photo courtesy of MUBI.
The Mastermind is anything but a standard heist film. It is a movie that discusses what comes afterward. For most viewers, that can make them consider the film slow and monotonous. That response is one that I could certainly not fault anyone for having once the credits roll. I would like to encourage hesitant viewers to give this one a chance. Besides O’Connor’s terrific central performance, the film’s deeper exploration of a person’s purpose in life is captivating, especially in a world this richly defined. Those willing to go along with the ride will be anything but disappointed.
The Mastermind Special Features:
- The Mastermind: Unwinding The Heist Film
Available on Blu-ray and DVD June 30th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official MUBI The Mastermind webpage.
To purchase, head to the official MUBI Store The Mastermind webpage.
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5.
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Categories: Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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