‘The Mastermind’ Trailer Debuts Ahead of Cannes Competition

Kelly Reichardt's new film, "The Mastermind," starring Josh O’Connor as JB Mooney, an unemployed carpenter turned amateur art thief, is set in 1970s Massachusetts and follows his first major heist gone awry. The film, which premiered in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Palme d’Or, has been praised for its minimalist style, emotional depth, and Reichardt’s signature long takes and stripped-down dialogue. Critics highlight O’Connor’s nuanced performance as neither heroic nor villainous, portraying a man unraveling under pressure, while Reichardt cleverly reimagines the heist genre with a focus on human and emotional stakes rather than traditional thrills. The film marks a departure from Reichardt’s usual Pacific Northwest settings, yet retains her distinct cinematic approach, emphasizing slow-building emotional tension and character-driven storytelling. "The Mastermind" is described as one of Reichardt’s most accessible and entertaining works to date, reinforcing her status as a significant modern filmmaker. The movie will be released theatrically in the U.S. on October 17, 2025, with international releases following shortly after.