The Phoenician Scheme

Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme is a stylish espionage black comedy that blends international intrigue, family dysfunction, and Anderson’s signature visual flair into one quirky package. Set in the 1950s, the film follows Zsa-Zsa Korda, a wealthy arms dealer and industrialist who, after surviving an assassination attempt, tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter Liesl—a Catholic nun he once sent to a convent as a child. When he names her the sole heir to his empire, the two are thrown into a whirlwind of shady business deals, global conspiracies, and personal revelations.

The plot is packed with eccentric characters, from scheming tycoons and foreign terrorists to a Norwegian entomologist and a government agent named Excalibur. As Korda attempts to pull off a massive infrastructure project in the fictional country of Phoenicia—using ethically questionable methods—he and Liesl must navigate betrayal, sabotage, and their own complicated relationship.

Benicio del Toro leads the ensemble cast as Korda, with Mia Threapleton holding her own as Liesl in a breakout role. The film also features a who's who of Anderson regulars and newcomers, including Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, and Bill Murray. The visuals are as meticulously crafted as ever, with cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel shooting in a unique 1.5:1 aspect ratio and real-life artworks peppered throughout the film.

If you’re a fan of Wes Anderson’s previous work—think The Grand Budapest Hotel or The French Dispatch—you’ll likely enjoy The Phoenician Scheme. It’s got all the hallmarks: deadpan humor, symmetrical compositions, and a whimsical yet melancholic tone. The film doesn’t stray far from Anderson’s usual style, so if that’s not your thing, this probably won’t change your mind.

Critics have generally responded positively, praising its intricate design and performances, though some found the story a bit too fussy or lacking in emotional depth. Still, it’s a visually rich and thematically ambitious film that explores big ideas like redemption, legacy, and the cost of power—all with a wink and a nod.

In short, The Phoenician Scheme is a darkly comic, visually lush ride through the absurdities of wealth, war, and family, tailor-made for Anderson devotees and lovers of offbeat cinema.