I’m a huge fan of Wes Anderson and his film, and The Phoenician Scheme is the kind of film that, at first glance, might seem like more of the same, but that would be selling it short.
Sure, the pastel palette, symmetrical compositions, and theatrical diorama-like sets are back. But underneath all that visual pageantry, there’s a surprisingly intimate story here, one that feels more emotionally grounded than much of Anderson’s recent work.
The plot centers on Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), a fabulously wealthy European industrialist who names his only daughter, a nun, as heir to his estate and to take over his business.
As Korda embarks on a new enterprise adventure, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins. The whole thing is hilarous and it had the audience rolling with laughter.
Anderson tightens the focus in this film as it zeroes in on the relationship between father and daughter (Mia Threapleton), with Michael Cera playing a hilariously deadpan tutor who serves as the film’s bemused third wheel.
As the trio fends off a host of scheming tycoons and foreign terrorists, the real tension lies not in the physical danger, but in whether Korda and his daughter can understand each other before it’s too late.
Anderson himself described the movie as “a story about a father and his daughter,” one he long postponed until it “spoke to [him] again.” The personal connection shows in the movie.
The emotional arc between del Toro and Threapleton is strong character development and storytelling, and what starts as an absurd adventure ends on a note that’s genuinely affecting. The film delivers its trademark whimsy, yes, but it also takes a sincere swing at exploring what legacy means when passed down through something more spiritual than just a bank account.
Benicio del Toro is a riot here playing an incredibly interesting character and delivering one of the most fun performances of his career. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him talk so much in a film before!
He’s matched by Threapleton, who’s fantastic as his daughter, and Cera also delivers an incredibly fun performance as the anxious, academic observer caught in the middle of an increasingly unhinged story.
It’s refreshing how The Phoenician Scheme trims down Anderson’s usual ensemble chaos. The supporting cast is an embarrassment of riches including Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Riz Ahmed, and Benedict Cumberbatch, mostly orbit the central trio, never stealing the spotlight.
Their presence adds texture without crowding the core story. The result is a film that feels more focused than some of Anderson’s recent work, without sacrificing the style and absurdity fans have come to love.
There are moments when the film threatens to spiral into overcomplication, but it always reels itself back with sharp writing and that underlying emotional thread. The story offers commentary on wealth and legacy, and it gently pokes at the absurdity of those who think they can control either.
The Phoenician Scheme is Anderson doing what he does best, but with more heart and a little less artifice. It’s a film about connection dressed in the costume of a caper, with a soft, lingering melancholy underneath all the delightful absurdity.
If you’re a fan of the films Wes Anderson makes, you’re going to enjoy this one! I think it’s one of his best. I loved it!
