The Mastermind review
By Joel Humphries · Watched 10.13.25
★★ 2 / 5
Spoiler-free review
The Mastermind turns slowness into meandering and contemplation into a theatrical waste of time. Nothing about the experience requires a large screen, a focused audience or the effort of leaving home. Wait until it appears on HBO during a lazy Sunday afternoon, when its minimal momentum can become background noise and its pacing can support a genuinely solid nap. Screen Unseen occasionally delivers discovery; this one delivered a reminder that mystery tickets can also conceal chores.
Full review — contains spoilers
What a slow, meandering waste of time. Don’t subject yourself to this in theaters. Just wait until it’s playing on HBO on a lazy Sunday afternoon, perfect background noise for a solid nap. Screen unseen fail.