'The Mastermind': First look at Josh O'Connor in new heist movie.

The first images for the upcoming heist film 'The Mastermind', by American filmmaker Kelly Reichardt, starring British actor Josh O'Connor ('Challengers'), John Magaro ('Past Lives') and Alana Haim ('Licorice Pizza'), premiering in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival were it's already in the run for the Palm d'Or.

For reference, the last Palm d'Or winner was "Best Picture" winner 'Anora' by Sean Baker, so the stakes for this award are high. Reichardt last movie, 'Showing Up', was an A24 production, and in this case the studio and worldwide distributor behind 'The Mastermind' is Mubi, that will most likely premiere the film on their streaming service after the theatrical window.

The plot details are scarce, but we do know it's a period drama happening in the 70's where it will follow a desperate struggling carpenter (O'Connor) and his attempt at turning into an art thief and planning his first big heist despite the consequences if he happens to fail.

Seeing the filmmakers take on a crime movie will be really interesting, considering her movies are usually on the slow burn side of things, more meditative and character driven rather than focusing on action. Let's hope that script and the acting is powerful enough to turn this into an award winning show, and maybe O'Connor's shot at an Academy Award.