USA 2025
Opening October 16, 2025

Directed by: Kelly Reichardt
Writing credits: Kelly Reichardt
Principal actors: Josh O'Connor, Alana Haim, Hope Davis, Bill Camp

I’ve really enjoyed Kelly Reichardt’s past films. They’re usually quiet, a little slow, and full of small-town characters dealing with the everyday stuff most Hollywood films skip over. The Mastermind is no exception in tone, at least at first. It starts out with that same understated vibe: simple lives, subtle tension, and people trying to get by.

Josh O’Connor is fantastic, as always. He really shows his range in the early part of the film. You get this sense that his character, a mild-mannered husband and father of twin boys, is holding onto something deeper. And just when you think the story is building to something really interesting, everything just falls apart, including the plot. I kept waiting for O’Connor’s character to make some kind of comeback or breakthrough, but that moment never really comes, despite him being on the run from the law after his art heist goes badly.

While The Mastermind has some great performances and that classic Reichardt atmosphere, the second half didn’t land for me. It feels like a film with a strong start and a directionless finish. (Erin H.)