Kelly Reichardt, the acclaimed director behind First Cow and Certain Women, returns with The Mastermind, a quietly riveting heist drama set in 1970s Massachusetts. The ensemble cast is led by Josh O’Connor as a suburban family man living a double life as an art thief, alongside Alana Haim, Hope Davis, John Magaro, Gaby Hoffmann, and Bill Camp.
The Mastermind had its world premiere in Competition at Cannes, and will also screen at upcoming festivals including New York Film Festival. It opens in U.S. theaters on October 17, 2025 via MUBI.
Here is the synopsis: In a sedate corner of Massachusetts circa 1970, JB Mooney (Josh O’Connor) an unemployed carpenter turned amateur art thief, plans his first big heist. When things go haywire, his life unravels. Mooney and two cohorts wander into a museum in broad daylight and steal four paintings. When holding onto the art proves more difficult than stealing the pieces, Mooney is relegated to a life on the run.
O’Connor explained the psychology of his character, Mooney, saying, “One of my favorite aspects of the movie was when we were going to the garage, as Terry is taking the kids to school, and Mooney is in his underwears, that felt like a very Mooney thing to do. He has these grand expectations for his life, he feels he deserves better. His great plan is a work of art in itself.”
Watch the trailer above.
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