The Mastermind

”Honestly, I don't think you've thought things through enough. No offence.” The Mastermind is meticulously crafted, unfolding with patience, restraint, and a precise sense of control. Each scene feels carefully calibrated, letting moments breathe and meaning emerge naturally rather than being spelled out. Josh O’Connor is exceptional, delivering a fully lived-in performance, a quietly measured portrait of a man seeking escape from the dull confines of his life, even as that pursuit subtly unsettles everyone around him. The film moves with a precise, unhurried rhythm, guided by a jazz score that hums beneath the surface and gives the story a steady pulse. On top of that, it has a wonderfully satisfying ending that feels completely earned. In the end, it’s the film’s methodical, character driven storytelling that makes The Mastermind exactly the kind of movie I love. REICHARDT RANKED 3/9