Wes Anderson’s latest cinematic offering, "The Phoenician Scheme," which graced the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, before its U.S. limited release on May 30 and wider expansion on June 6, invites us once again into his uniquely captivating universe. Directed by Anderson from a screenplay he co-wrote with Roman Coppola, this black comedy-drama is a collaborative effort from American Empirical Pictures, Indian Paintbrush, and Studio Babelsberg, with Focus Features handling domestic distribution and Universal Pictures internationally. Running a brisk 101 minutes, the film is an absolute visual feast, anchored by an exceptional ensemble cast led by Benicio del Toro as the enigmatic Zsa-zsa Korda, and featuring stellar turns from Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Wright, and Richard Ayoade.
Genre:Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
From the moment the film begins, it’s unmistakably a Wes Anderson movie. His signature trademarks are not merely present; they are the very essence of the experience. The precise perpendicular framing, the obsessive symmetry, and the almost fetishistic meticulous attention to detail in every prop and set piece create the sensation of stepping into a series of perfectly composed, living dioramas. I found myself marveling at every tile on every floor, every carefully chosen color palette, and the exquisite arrangement of even the most mundane objects. This aesthetic, while familiar to Anderson aficionados, remains endlessly fascinating and proves that while many may attempt to imitate his style, none can quite replicate the depth and emotional resonance he imbues within his ordered worlds.
What truly sets Anderson apart, beyond the visual splendor, is his profound ability to tell meaningful stories within these highly stylized confines. His characters, often eccentric and tightly wound, constantly strive to exert control over their chaotic internal and external realities. Zsa-zsa Korda, brought to life with magnetic intensity by Benicio del Toro, is a prime example. He's a powerful and morally ambiguous tycoon, a "maverick in the fields of armaments and aviation" who has built an empire on manipulation. Now, grappling with a series of near-death experiences, he confronts the unpredictable nature of family and mortality. Del Toro delivers a masterful performance as Korda, portraying him as a scarred, stony-faced antihero whose physical weariness grows with each assassination attempt. He grounds the film’s fantastical elements with a compelling mix of ruthless ambition and an unexpected, subtle glimmer of vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with his estranged daughter, Sister Liesl.
Mia Threapleton, as Sister Liesl, is an absolute revelation. Her portrayal of the pipe-smoking, red-lipped, and often hilariously direct nun, who reluctantly re-enters her father's dangerous orbit, is a true standout. The dynamic between del Toro and Threapleton forms the beating heart of the film, providing moments of genuine humor and poignant connection. Their contrasting rhythms create a delightful comedic duo, further enhanced by the deadpan brilliance of Michael Cera as Bjorn, Liesl’s bug-obsessed Norwegian tutor. The extended ensemble cast is equally impressive, with brief but memorable turns from veterans like Jeffrey Wright as a business partner and appearances from the likes of Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch, all contributing to the film's rich and detailed tapestry.
Trailer "The Phoenician Scheme" (2025)
The plot itself is a darkly comedic and perilous journey. Korda's decision to name his only daughter, a nun, as his sole heir, unleashes a cascade of unforeseen consequences. As he embarks on a new, questionable infrastructural enterprise in the desert, they quickly become the targets of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists led by the zealous Sergio (Richard Ayoade), and relentless assassins. The narrative intricately weaves a complex tapestry of espionage, inheritance, and family drama, all filtered through Anderson’s unique aesthetic. The film manages to be both a thrilling ride and a deeply personal exploration of a strained father-daughter relationship.
However, "The Phoenician Scheme" isn't without its deeper complexities, and some viewers might find themselves pondering its broader implications. While Anderson's films are brilliant at exploring individual struggles to bring order to chaos, I found myself wishing for a more explicit engagement with the societal ramifications of Korda’s actions. The film touches upon weighty themes of capitalism and greed, showing Korda as someone willing to commit "war crimes for profit." Yet, these concepts sometimes feel like background noise, almost subsumed by the film's whimsical and comedic tone. For instance, the jungle-dwelling radicals, while visually distinctive, have their political motivations presented with such idiosyncratic flair that they become almost another quirk in Anderson’s meticulously curated world. This approach, while maintaining the film's unique charm, might leave some longing for a more direct critique of the darker themes it hints at.
Despite this, the film’s subtle commentary on "toxic celebrity culture" and the absurdities of the modern world undeniably shines through. Korda’s journey toward a "turn toward the better" feels almost inadequate in light of the widespread offscreen suffering his empire perpetuates, yet the film, much like its audience, seems to revel in his audacious panache. The sheer craftsmanship and the sheer entertainment value often overshadow these deeper narrative questions. The multiple plane-crash tableaux, the tightly delivered exchanges, and the visually arresting sequences ensure that the film remains engaging and enthralling throughout its entire runtime.
Ultimately, "The Phoenician Scheme" is a quintessential Wes Anderson experience. It’s a movie that thrives on its granular details, its precise visual language, and the dry wit of its characters. It’s a film that demands you appreciate the artistry in every frame and the humor in every carefully delivered line. While it may not delve profoundly into every ethical quagmire it presents, it delivers a stylish, funny, and deeply personal exploration of family, legacy, and the human desire for control in an uncontrollable world. For fans of Anderson's unique vision, "The Phoenician Scheme" is a delightful and immersive journey, cementing his status as a master of the cinematic diorama. This 2025 thriller of a different kind will undoubtedly be discussed and dissected for its unparalleled blend of comedy, drama, and distinctive style.