Kelly Reichardt's ‘The Mastermind' — Stars Josh O'Connor + Plot Details [Updated]

Last week, I wrote about Kelly Reichardt’s next film, which is supposed to be shot in October, it’s called “The Mastermind.”

An update is upon us. Josh O’Connor is apparently attached to star in the film. Plot details have also been disclosed and it sounds like it’s a heist movie, which is a genre Reichardt already tackled in 2014’s “Night Moves.”

The plot revolves around James Mooney (O’Connor), who orchestrates an audacious art heist against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the country’s burgeoning women’s liberation movement. As he engages in this daring criminal endeavor, he must navigate a world marked by shifting social and political dynamics.

Since this is a Kelly Reichardt movie, expect plenty of long takes, stripped down dialogue and minimalist drama. The characters in her films live on the fringes of society. She’s also become one of the most influential filmmakers of the last decade; if you’ve seen this year’s acclaimed indie “Good One,” directed by India Donaldson, you just can’t escape the Reichardt influence.

Reichardt’s last film, 2022’s “Showing Up,” premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. If “The Mastermind” completes post-production in time, then I would imagine she’ll be back on the Croisette next summer with this latest film.

Some of Reichardt’s most acclaimed films include “First Cow,” “Wendy & Lucy,” “Old Joy,” “Meek’s Cutoff,” “Certain Women” and the underrated “Night Moves.”

Here’s the casting notice I received.