The Mastermind - Avis

Josh O’Connor is world’s worst art thief in Kelly Reichardt’s unlikely heist movie.

Shot on film with the grainy warmth that evokes a sleepy 1970 New England municipality as much as it does actual movies from the ‘70s, “The Mastermind” is Reichardt’s version of a heist movie...

...is striking in its simplicity, sitting with its doomed protagonist as the sheer enormity of his actions catches up to him.

...wiggles its way into your psyche, takes root, and leaves you wanting more of something you know you won’t be getting more of anytime soon, which makes the film even more of a treasure.

A heist movie where the heist is the least-interesting part.

The period detail is beautifully done, and the autumn colours mesh perfectly with the ’70s style to create a sense of nostalgia, but there’s something melancholy about this even when it’s at its most playful.

...despite JB’s lazy irresponsibility, O’Connor’s ingenuous charm makes the film so watchable.

James Mooney is like one of those old friends you might let stay overnight at your home, even though the last time he did, a couple of things went missing.

Josh O’Connor is a slippery thief in this jazzy, funny thriller.

Grey skies, a “cool jazz” score and sketchy characters are selling points of “The Mastermind,” a ’70s period piece infused with the “grit” aficionados associate with the films of that benighted decade.