The Mastermind (2025): Cast, Ratings & Plot
The Mastermind is a 2025 crime drama directed by Kelly Reichardt, starring Bill Camp as Bill Mooney, Josh O'Connor and Hope Davis. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes and was made on a reported $2 million budget. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 50m (110 min)
- Director
- Kelly Reichardt
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- MUBI
- Budget
- $2M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Mastermind About?
The premise of The Mastermind without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In a quiet Massachusetts town around 1970, an unemployed carpenter decides to try his hand at art theft, operating under the belief that it’s not a crime if you avoid detection. He meticulously plans his first major heist, but when unforeseen complications arise, his carefully constructed world begins to fall apart, leading him down a dangerous path.
The Mastermind Cast & Characters
Bill Camp leads the cast as Bill Mooney, with Josh O'Connor as JB Mooney and Hope Davis as Sarah Mooney. Directed by Kelly Reichardt; 48 actors are credited in all.
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Director Kelly Reichardt
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Bill Camp as Bill Mooney -
Josh O'Connor as JB Mooney -
Hope Davis as Sarah Mooney -
Alana Haim as Terri Mooney
Also Starring in The Mastermind
· 44 more- Eli Gelb Guy Hickey
- Javion Allen Ronnie Gibson
- Sterling Thompson Carl Mooney
- Jasper Thompson Tommy Mooney
- Gaby Hoffmann Maude
- John Magaro Fred
- Amanda Plummer
- Matthew Maher Jerry
- Rhenzy Feliz
- Cole Doman Larry Duffy
- Ming Wang Museum Patron
- Ryan Homchick Sam Kuchar
- John E. Brownlee Man Catching the Bus
- William Cross Museum Patron
- Juan Carlos Hernández Agent Carroll
- Jean Zarzour Mrs. Zazour
Show all 48 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Jenny McManus Cafe Patron
- Greg Violand Man at Bank #2
- Angel Kerns Pedestrian
- Barry Mulholland Charles
- Katie Hubbard Robin
- Robert Gerding Museum Patron
- Rick Dutrow Thug
- David Pittinger Man in Sports Jacket
- Marc Ross Mr. Ross
- Kevin Michael Walsh Neighbor
- Margot Anderson-Song Helen
- Reighan Bean Julie Friedlander
- Wilson Conkwright
- D.J. Stroud Edward Farber
- Maria Wedding College Age Museum Patrons
- Alexis Nicole Neuenschwander Pam
- Steven Terry Walker Diner Patron
- Max Schroeder Boy Playing on Sidewalk
- Greg Siewny Newspaper Thief
- Melissa McDermott Currin Vietnam Protestor
- Malika Dinan Vietnam Protestor
- Christian Gazaway Protester
- Todd Wallrauch Vietnam Protestor
- Kevin W. Shiveley Riot Cop
- Farrah Rawlings Student
- Michael Wedding Smoking Man/College Student
- Kade Clarks Curtis
- Tom Cline Tony
More from Kelly Reichardt
More films directed by Kelly Reichardt, best-rated first: First Cow, Meek's Cutoff, Old Joy and Wendy and Lucy.
The Mastermind Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Mastermind 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 91/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in story & flow (84).
The Mastermind Echo Score Breakdown
The Mastermind delivers a consistently refined experience, excelling in visual craftsmanship, nuanced performances, and an atypical heist narrative that rewards patience. Critics highlight the film's meticulous period setting, restrained yet resonant character work, and a sensory palette that evokes the 1970s without relying on conventional action. While its deliberate pacing may challenge some viewers, the overall impression is that the work offers lasting appeal and repeated viewing value.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
In terms of visual craftsmanship, the film is lauded for its understated yet precise cinematography and production design that evoke a vivid 1970s atmosphere. Reviewers note the careful framing of quiet moments and the grounded texture of each frame, suggesting a high level of directorial control. The overall art and craft are therefore judged as exemplary.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character depth, critics emphasize Josh O'Connor's hapless yet charming portrayal, describing his performance as both ingenuous and emotionally resonant. The sparse dialogue foregrounds inner turmoil and chemistry, allowing the protagonist's wandering soul to anchor the story. Consequently, the character work is viewed as a strong, nuanced component of the film.
- Story & Flow 84
Regarding plot structure, reviewers appreciate the unconventional heist premise that forgoes chases in favor of introspection and minimal dialogue. The measured tempo creates a droll, occasionally humorous rhythm, though its restraint may feel slow to some. Overall, the narrative is considered engaging and original, albeit paced deliberately.
- Sensory Experience 88
In the sensory realm, the film is praised for its quiet poeticism, precise visual texture, and period-appropriate soundscape that together reinforce its 1970s spirit. While specific soundtrack details are limited, the overall auditory and visual cohesion contribute to an immersive atmosphere. The sensory experience is therefore assessed as highly effective.
- Rewatch Factor 86
Evaluating replay value, critics point to the film's watchability, memorable scenes, and subtle humor that reward repeat viewings. Its classic‑like treatment of a genre subversion and lingering emotional threads suggest lasting appeal. Accordingly, the rewatch factor is considered strong, encouraging audiences to return for deeper appreciation.
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IMDb 6.2 /10
14683 votes
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Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 53%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 57% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.2 /5
182106 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Mastermind Plot Summary
What happens in The Mastermind from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1970, in the town of Framingham, a down-on-his-luck carpenter named JB Mooney hatches a risky plan to steal four Arthur Dove paintings from the local art museum. Motivated by financial strain and a stubborn taste for something bigger than ordinary life, he borrows money from his parents and then borrows more from his wife’s family under the pretense of funding work. With that seed money, he enlists two partners, Guy Hickey and Ronnie Gibson, to pull off the heist. The trio makes it to the museum, where the theft unfolds with tense precision: Gibson unloads a gun on a student not far from a homework assignment and a security guard is overpowered, while the others act in concert to take the paintings.
Full summary
The whole story of The Mastermind, scene by scene
The Mastermind Trailers & Videos
13 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser, 3 clips and 7 featurettes.
- Trailer Official Trailer #2
- Teaser Josh O' Connor's got things to do in THE MASTERMIND
- Clip Official Clip
- Clip Official Vertical Clip
How Well Do You Know The Mastermind?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the protagonist who hatches the risky heist plan?
The Mastermind Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “마스터마인드” and “La Mente Maestra”.
- Also known as
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- 마스터마인드
- La Mente Maestra
- 藝盜低飛
- Afērists
- Натхненник
- 盜藝有道
- 主谋
Seen The Mastermind?
The Mastermind FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Mastermind, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Mastermind?
The Mastermind runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).
When was The Mastermind released?
The Mastermind was released on May 23, 2025.
Who directed The Mastermind?
The Mastermind was directed by Kelly Reichardt.
More films by Kelly Reichardt Who is in the cast of The Mastermind?
The Mastermind stars Bill Camp as Bill Mooney, Josh O'Connor as JB Mooney and Hope Davis as Sarah Mooney, among 48 credited actors.
What was the budget of The Mastermind?
The Mastermind had a reported budget of $2 million.
How is The Mastermind rated?
The Mastermind has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57% on TMDB and 3.2/5 on Letterboxd.
Does The Mastermind have a post-credit scene?
No. The Mastermind has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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