Stream “mastermind” on MUBI
If you enjoyed Josh O’Connor in the recent film Knives Out, you might want to catch mastermind, which started streaming on MUBI over the weekend. It is definitely something to check out.
mastermind debuted on MUBI the same day that wake up dead man launched on Netflix. In the latter, O’Connor portrays a young priest named Judd. Judd is kind-hearted and a bit naive, trying to bond with his community. He describes himself as “young, foolish, and Christ-filled,” which gives you a sense of his character’s charm—adorable, really!
On the other hand, O’Connor’s role in mastermind, directed by indie filmmaker Kelly Reichardt, shows a different side. This time, he’s not sweet; rather, he plays J.B. Mooney, an unfortunate individual who’s lost his job yet relies on his critical, wealthy parents and his loving but underutilized wife, played by Alana Haim, for support. Instead of searching for a new job, he opts for a reckless and childish scheme—a heist.
With borrowed money from his mom, JB recruits three hapless locals to help him pull off an art robbery in Framingham, Massachusetts. As he excitedly shares his elaborate plan, it feels like a scene from a crime movie. They manage to sneak into a museum, steal a painting, and escape in a stolen car. Sounds easy, right? Well, it’s actually ridiculous. Following through with this plan proves to be a disaster.
The first hiccup comes when JB realizes his kids aren’t in school as expected. But it’s the 1970s, so he just gives them some cash and sends them loose in the city. Now, JB has to take the wheel since the designated driver is occupied with the heist. The theft itself plays out in a hilariously awkward manner, with the thieves fumbling their way through the heist. At one point, one of them, Ronnie, threatens a high school girl with a gun—definitely not a highlight. The way they struggle just to roll down car windows is painfully amusing.
Though JB technically completes the heist, it’s not long before the police are on his tail. In one clever, dialogue-free moment, JB finds himself trapped in a barn’s attic, literally stuck with nowhere to hide the stolen art except in a pile of hay and, uh, some other unpleasantness.
Essentially, mastermind is a collection of humiliating situations for JB. O’Connor’s performance is understated yet hilarious, capturing a man entirely out of his depth. By the end, he loses everything—his art, family, friends, and dignity—all because of his own poor choices. He has no one to blame but himself.
While JB and Judd share some similarities, O’Connor brings a distinct flair to each character. This year has truly been significant for O’Connor; he also featured in the acclaimed Western Rebuild and the romance history of sound. Clearly, his hard work is paying off.
