Josh O’Connor’s “fantastic” ’70s-set heist thriller gets new UK streaming home

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The popular heist thriller, The Mastermind, featuring Josh O’Connor and set in the 1970s, is now available on a new streaming service in the UK. The film, from a highly respected director, has received widespread critical acclaim this year.

In Kelly Reichardt’s latest film, John O’Connor plays JB Mooney, a man facing hardship who decides to steal art as a solution, all set against the backdrop of a nation deeply conflicted by the Vietnam War.

Featuring strong performances from Alana Haim, Bill Camp, and John Magaro, The Mastermind first appeared in select theaters last October. Now, it’s available to a wider audience in the UK through the streaming service Mubi.

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Mubi usually costs £11.99 a month, but you can try it free for 7 days. It’s also available as an add-on channel through Prime Video, with a 7-day free trial for new Prime Video subscribers.

Praised as a commentary on human foolishness, The Mastermind has earned high marks from critics since its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Currently, 90% of 137 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes give the film a positive rating.

According to Variety, Reichardt’s subtly brilliant film, The Mastermind, isn’t preachy, but offers a gentle warning to everyday men who think they deserve something beyond the simple joys of home and family.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reichardt’s film stands out because it avoids typical genre conventions and instead centers on the characters, their flaws, and the realistic portrayal of how even people with stable lives can be overwhelmed and make poor choices.

Also praising the film, The Guardian noted that the aftermath of the heist is just as interesting as the robbery itself. They credited this focus with capturing the attention of director Reichardt and making The Mastermind a subtly compelling watch.

According to RogerEbert.com, the movie wouldn’t be the same with any other actor in the lead role. They praise O’Connor as a truly exceptional and increasingly prominent talent, noting that even watching him simply contemplate his thoughts is captivating.

The Mastermind is streaming on Mubi now.

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2025-12-14 01:19