The Mastermind

The Mastermind is a cinematic experience I was compelled tc review purely out of frustration. I gave it a low 3 stars, with those ooints being awarded only because the unintentionally quirky pehavior of the actors made me laugh in a few places. If you finc humor in simpleton behavior in a serious context, you might get a chuckle, but don't mistake this for a comedy-it clearly isn" meant to be one, The film drags, relying on the predictable indie film trope of unnecessary long silences and a repetitive, mood-killing score Every scene felt like filler, with a profound lack of character development and a story that simply refused to progress. I kept expecting a payoff that never materialized.

The ending was perhaps the most frustrating element. It wrapped up with a blunt non-conclusion, leaving gaping plot holes and zero character development, as if the entire film were merelv a prelude to a continuation that mav never come.

For a regular cinema-goer like myself, watching the apparent lack of effort put into the plot and conclusion was insulting. I don't 'ecommend seeing The Mastermind in any scenario, maybe while you're sitting in the throne.

I had high hopes after the initial story line but there was no character development and the story went nowhere. I would have left 40 minutes in had my friend not been with me. I normally love independent movies and unique story lines but this movie did NOT deliver. People walked out, many complained after the movie was over. Would not recommend.

Wow, can't believe there's such negativity about this film. It's as though TikTok has made too large an impact, and people are extremely uncomfortable with quiet, meditative moments. My heart was beating fast during much of it, I love how Kelly doesn't spoon-feed the audience with what's exactly happening in every scene. It doesn't make it boring at all, your mind is constantly working, and it's hilarious laughing at these really dumb characters. I thought there was maybe 5-10 minutes of our main character traveling towards the mid-ending where we could've trimmed it slightly, but other than that I absolutely loved the pacing, and it's why I come back to Kelly's films time and time again, rejuvenated that film isn't dead. It's sad so many people are confused by it, I truly don't understand.

As the poster already tells you: this is a Kelly Richardt movie, so you should know the reason her name is bigger than the title itself. If you don't know what kinda movie she makes, that's probably not for you. She's the queen of stillness, and If you are only watching expecting to be a action/thriller movie you are mistaken. Clearly the bad reviews left here are from people who never saw her work.

As soon as the film started, I was transported back to the '70s. The colour hues, the quiet street corners dressed in autumn leaves-so much stillness.

Kelly Reichardt makes slowly unravelling films filled with dry humour, and the endings are always a surprise.

Since seeing this film a few days ago, it has stayed with me. That's a good sign in my book.

I'm so glad we have filmmakers like her; they make you reflect on your own life and choices.

Brilliant.