The Mastermind Blu-ray Review: A Smart Heist Movie That Breaks the Rules

The Mastermind will be available on Blu-ray from MUBI starting June 30, 2026.

Most heist movies are built around spectacle and suspense. They thrive on elaborate plans, larger-than-life criminals, and high-stakes tension that escalates with every passing minute. The Mastermind, the new film from Kelly Reichardt (First Cow, Showing Up), takes the opposite approach. Rather than embracing the excitement traditionally associated with the genre, director Reichardt crafts a quieter and more deliberate story that focuses on the people behind the crime rather than the crime itself. The result is a smart and thoughtful spin on a familiar formula that won’t be for everyone but rewards patient viewers.

Why The Mastermind matters

The heist genre has produced some of cinema’s most entertaining films. From Ocean’s Eleven to Heat, audiences are conditioned to expect meticulous planning, explosive complications, and dramatic payoffs. The Mastermind strips much of that away, presenting a more grounded and realistic portrayal of criminal behavior. Set during the 1970s, the film follows a group of ordinary people whose criminal ambitions often exceed their capabilities.

Leading the charge is Josh O’Connor, who continues his remarkable rise as one of the most reliable performers working today. O’Connor delivers a subdued and restrained performance that perfectly matches the film’s tone. He’s not playing a charismatic mastermind in the traditional sense. Instead, he’s portraying a man whose confidence often masks uncertainty, allowing the character to feel flawed, believable, and distinctly human.

Alana Haim also turns in another impressive performance. Following her breakout role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, Haim continues to prove herself as a natural screen presence. Much like O’Connor, she understands the understated nature of the material and never overplays a moment. The chemistry between the cast helps ground the story, making the characters feel like real people rather than archetypes pulled from a traditional crime thriller.

What makes The Mastermind particularly interesting is how intentionally mundane it often feels. Reichardt isn’t interested in creating a pulse-pounding thriller. Instead, she focuses on the small moments, awkward interactions, and everyday frustrations that surround the criminal enterprise. The slower pacing may frustrate viewers expecting a conventional heist movie, but it’s also what gives the film its unique identity. By refusing to follow the expected formula, The Mastermind becomes a far more interesting character study than a traditional crime film.

Video quality

The 1080p presentation looks excellent, showcasing the film’s distinctly 1970s aesthetic with impressive clarity. The color palette plays a significant role in establishing the period setting, utilizing muted earth tones, warm interiors, and slightly faded hues that make the film feel authentically rooted in its era. Fine detail remains strong throughout, allowing costumes, production design, and facial expressions to shine. It’s a clean and faithful transfer that serves the movie’s understated visual style exceptionally well.

Audio quality

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track prioritizes atmosphere and dialogue over aggressive surround activity, which perfectly suits the film. Conversations remain clear and natural, while ambient sounds help create a believable sense of place throughout the various locations. The more subtle approach to the sound design complements Reichardt’s restrained filmmaking style, while the included 2.0 track offers an alternative presentation for viewers seeking a more traditional listening experience.

Packaging and presentation

The Blu-ray release comes housed in a sturdy slipcovered case featuring the film’s standard promotional artwork. While there is no newly commissioned artwork included, the cover effectively captures the understated tone of the film. As is often the case with MUBI releases, the presentation is clean and elegant without feeling overly flashy.

Does it have a slipcover? Yes

Does it feature original artwork? No

Does it include a digital copy? No

Special features

• The Mastermind: Unwinding the Heist Movie (Video Essay)

The lone supplemental feature is a video essay examining the film’s unconventional approach to the heist genre. While limited in quantity, the feature provides worthwhile insight into Reichardt’s intentions and the ways The Mastermind deliberately subverts audience expectations.

Is it worth buying on Blu-ray?

Yes. The Mastermind offers a refreshingly unique take on the heist genre by prioritizing character, realism, and atmosphere over spectacle. It’s a thoughtful and well-acted film anchored by excellent performances from Josh O’Connor and Alana Haim. While it won’t satisfy viewers looking for a traditional crime thriller, it’s exactly the kind of movie that benefits from repeat viewings and careful attention.

Is it worth a blind purchase? Probably not. The Mastermind relies heavily on slow pacing, subdued performances, and an intentionally restrained narrative style. Those elements are precisely what make it successful, but they’re also likely to divide audiences. I’d recommend watching the film first before committing to a purchase, especially if you’re expecting a more conventional heist movie.

Pre-order your copy of The Mastermind on Blu-ray from Amazon here.