Page
The Mastermind
- Summary
- How to watch
- News & features
❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Watch trailer
02:07
The Mastermind
Save
- 2025
- Kelly Reichardt
- 110 mins
- 12A
Summary
In 1970, three men wander into a museum and steal four paintings. When holding onto the art proves difficult, they are relegated to a life on the run.
Ad
Powered By
IMDB
Review
A star rating of 3 out of 5.
James Mottram
Josh O'Connor plays an amateur art thief in 1970s Massachusetts in this low-key crime tale. The film's quiet approach should come as no surprise, given its writer/director is cult favourite Kelly Reichardt, who has previously deconstructed the western (2010's Meek's Cutoff) and the environmental thriller (2013's Night Moves), generally leaving the major action off-screen. A married father-of-two, unemployed carpenter James (O'Connor) plots to steal four Arthur Dove paintings from a museum, a plan that swiftly goes awry, causing him to go on the run. Cut to the rhythms of an infectious jazz score, Reichardt's meandering story is more a character portrait of a desperate man than a tense crime thriller. Using the Vietnam War protest movement as her backdrop, the director captures well the spirit of rebellion and unrest that characterised the era. O'Connor's downbeat turn channels vintage performances by Elliott Gould, and his compelling work is bolstered by fine support from Hope Davis, John Magaro and Bill Camp. While it's a shame that Licorice Pizza star Alana Haim is somewhat short-changed in the role of James's wife, the film ultimately satisfies with a sublime ending.
imdb-square
6.2/10
How to watch
Loading
Streaming
Credits
Cast
rolenameJames Blaine MooneyJosh O'ConnorTerri MooneyAlana HaimCarl MooneySterling ThompsonTommy MooneyJasper ThompsonSarah MooneyHope DavisJudge William MooneyBill CampFredJohn MagaroMaudeGaby Hoffmann
Show more
Crew
rolenameDirectorKelly Reichardt
Details
Theatrical distributor
MUBI
Released on
2025-10-24
Languages
English | French
Guidance
Violence, swearing
Formats
Colour
News & features about The Mastermind
-
The mastermind behind Celebrity Traitors reveals secret to its success – and he's eyeing Tom Cruise for next season
The producer behind The Celebrity Traitors Stephen Lambert on the series’ ratings, his dream casting, THAT Richard E Grant moment – and whether he’d be a Traitor or a Faithful.
-
Doctor Who and Coronation Street icons confirmed for new episodes of Celebrity Mastermind – and they're coming soon
56 celebrities will brave the Mastermind chair.
Ad
-
Josh O'Connor reveals the reason why fans should stick with slow burn of new film The Mastermind
"You've got to prepare to sit with a character."
-
The Mastermind review: Josh O'Connor leads art-theft film that will "stay with you in its aftermath"
Director Kelly Reichardt offers an art-theft tale starring Josh O'Connor and Alana Haim.
-
Mastermind confirms start date as quiz returns for 2024/2025 season
TV's most intimidating chair is back.
-
Clive Myrie on his journalism career and striving to be a "friendly face" on Mastermind
The broadcaster aims to bring some heart to BBC Two's intimidating quiz show.
-
First look at new Mastermind as Clive Myrie takes over from John Humphrys
The BBC News presenter is ready to take on the long-running quiz show.
Ad
-
Mastermind alumni from Jenny Ryan to Reverend Richard Coles reveal who should replace John Humphrys
Esteemed Mastermind alumni – from Jenny Ryan to Lucy Porter – tell RadioTimes.com who they think should be the new host of the long-running BBC quiz.
-
The Chase's Shaun Wallace pitches to take over from John Humphrys on Mastermind
The Chaser said hosting Mastermind would be "a tremendous honour" following the exit of long-time presenter John Humphrys.
-
John Humphrys on Mastermind, presenting Today - and being jealous of students
We talk to the presenter and quizmaster about his life and work - before testing him on his own specialist subject
-
Ryan Murphy's glamorous 1980s set murder mystery TV thriller lands first-look trailer
The film sees Homer Gere, the son of Richard Gere, take on his first leading role.
-
Josh O’Connor on "awful" audition for movie blockbuster – and why he was afraid of being similar to Prince Charles
From fears to ears and stealing art, the actor discusses his new film — and his toe-curling audition for Les Misérables.
-
Sherlock Holmes spin-off from Doctor Who writer will focus on Moriarty – with a major twist
Moriarty will see Sherlock's greatest nemesis joining the police as a consultant to take down a rival criminal.
-
Rob Brydon to host BBC adventure game show Destination X
The Gavin & Stacey star will act as the "mastermind" of a tricky new competition.
-
Dahmer star Evan Peters' "terrifying" new thriller series gets release date confirmed
The series will hit screens in the new year.
-
Van der Valk season 4: Release date, cast and latest news
The fourth season of Van der Valk is finally landing in the UK.
-
EastEnders confirms "tense showdown" between Chrissie Watts, Kat and Jake Moon tomorrow amid murder plot
After a brief stint at Christmas, Chrissie is back in Albert Square.
-
Gavin & Stacey icon's new UK version of adventure reality show confirms air date
Get ready for your new favourite TV show!
-
Cross season 2 ending explained: What happened to Lance Durand?
The season 2 finale left things in a very different place heading into a potential season 3.
-
Best films released in the UK this month: October 2025
Highlights include The Smashing Machine, Frankenstein and Bugonia.
-
Emmerdale's Jaye Griffiths reveals future for Celia after shocking twist
Celia's about to get a whole lot worse.
-
Who is The Prototype in Poppy Playtime? Chapter 4 ending, twist and spoilers explained
Can we claw our way through the fear?
-
Why Marty Supreme's unlikable characters are still a reason it deserves to win best picture at the 2026 Oscars
Timothée Chalamet and Josh Safdie's story of a table tennis player in 1950s New York is a rare and unforgettable high-wire act with people you would never want to know.
-
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials ending explained: Who was behind it all?
There were plenty of twists and turns in the show's final episode.
See more about The Mastermind
Ad
Ad
Ad