Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme is a visual and whimsical delight that will undoubtedly charm long-time fans of the filmmaker’s signature style. Though this latest entry into Anderson’s cinematic repertoire brims with his trademarks – a meticulously crafted world awash in vibrant colors, symmetrical compositions, offbeat humor, and an ensemble of memorably quirky characters, it will do little to win over any newbies or fence-sitters.
Set in a fictional Mediterranean town steeped in history and mystique, The Phoenician Scheme revolves around a multi-generational family embroiled in a confusing yet oddly fascinating narrative of redemption, negotiation, and moral quandaries. While the plot itself is unquestionably busy, often convoluted to the point of rendering the details insignificant, Anderson’s knack for clever dialogue and impeccable world-building continually bring us back into the fold.
Do yourself a favor; instead of focusing on the tangled storyline, lose yourself in the richly-layered tableau of his creative aesthetic by entering the chaotic life of flamboyant and cunning industrialist (weapons, infrastructure, and aviation) Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), who has grand plans to revolutionize the infrastructure of a futuristic megacity teetering on decay.
Reviled by everyone he encounters and on the run from the authorities, revolutionary assassins, and a ruthless business consortium bent on monopolizing essential materials, Korda's time is running out. Rarely seen sans blood, bruises, and bandages and always making deals with those he wishes to influence (he passes out hand grenades to those whose attention he wishes to ingratiate), he’s a cat with nine lives… quite literally. Parallels to a certain world leader are either undeniable or undeniably a symptom of our current times.
Amidst the conspiracy, Korda unexpectedly names his estranged daughter, Liesl ( relative newcomer Mia Threapleton, Shadows), a pipe-smoking, street-smart, yet skeptical young woman who was essentially raised in a nunnery, as his sole heir. Why he left his other nine children – all boys – out of the will is unexplained, other than by Korda telling Liesl “I have my reasons.”
Thrust into a world of luxury and danger, Liesl must dodge threats, uncover hidden family secrets, and decide if she can trust her father. Enter Bjorn (Michael Cera), a timid and bumbling accountant/botanist unwittingly caught in the crossfire. Armed with wit, spreadsheets, giant praying mantises, and questionable courage, Bjorn becomes an unlikely ally to Liesl.
Packed with high-octane chases, explosive confrontations, and sharp comedy, The Phoenician Scheme weaves a tale of corporate sabotage, family redemption, and espionage with a dash of signature Anderson absurdity. Can Zsa-zsa and his misfit team outsmart the consortium, or will the weight of their schemes crumble beneath them? The stakes are high, the laughs – more like chuckles actually – are endless, and nothing is quite as it seems in this action-comedy riot.
The film’s standout aspect lies in its visual splendor. The sets are extraordinary – each frame an intricate diorama filled with carefully curated details that make the town feel alive, almost becoming a character of its own. Anderson uses his hallmark overhead shots and tightly choreographed set pieces to envelop the audience entirely in this vibrant world. The costume design, with its bold palettes and retro-modern flair, complements the setting perfectly, reinforcing the dreamlike quality of the film.
Of course, it wouldn't be an Anderson movie without a colorful cast of eccentrics, and, on that front, The Phoenician Scheme does not disappoint. Led by an ensemble of seasoned Anderson collaborators including Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, F. Murray Abraham, and a few surprising first-timers (including del Toro), the characters inject the story with a refreshing blend of whimsy and poignancy. Their quirks may border on absurd at times, but they’re infused with just enough humanity to make them unforgettable.
What truly works here is Anderson’s signature wit, which shines through, even as his story wobbles. His ability to juxtapose absurd humor with poignant themes like family, redemption, and what it truly means to live well, creates a tonal balance that’s undeniably his own.
While The Phoenician Scheme ranks as mid-level Anderson fare at best, it’s an undeniable ode to his creative genius, reminding us why his work continues to captivate audiences. Come for the chaos, stay for the charm.
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 101 mins
Director: Wes Anderson
Writer: Wes Anderson; Roman Coppola
Cast: Benicio Del Toro; Mia Threapleton; Michael Cera
Genre: Action | Comedy
Tagline: If Somthing gets in Your Way: Flatten It
Memorable Movie Quote: "Myself, I feel very safe."
Distributor: Focus Features
Official Site:
Release Date: June 6, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.
