The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
6.9 /10
290 Reviews
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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.
Videos & Photos
cast
... Zsa-zsa Korda
... Sister Liesl
... Bjorn Lund
... Prince Farouk
... Leland
User reviews
Unlike a few of the more recent Wes Anderson films, I thought this had more of a substantial story to underpin the antics as it follow the quite literally death-defying activities of entrepreneur “Korda” (Benicio del Toro). Now he’s made his squillions somewhat disreputably and has frequently been the target of assassins, so after this latest attempt sees him face down in the desert, he decides it’s time to make his will. He has loads of sons but just one daughter. She’s a nun, sworn to holy orders and is called “Liesl” (Mia Threapleton). Now she’s not the sort of “Liesl” we saw with Julie Andrews, this one is ruthlessly savvy and switched on as her father embarks on his most ambitious, secretive and toxic scheme yet - and that’s only going to further irk “Excalibur” (Rupert Friend) whom we know is running the “SPECTRE” style organisation determined to thwart his plans and see him six feet under. I suppose the snag with this film is that it isn’t so radically different, stylistically, from any of his recent stuff nor does the presence of his usual slew of Willem Dafoe, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks et al really offer us much by way of different or substantial characterisations for us to really get our teeth into, and that predictability also impacts a bit on the frankly “Monty Python” style of the humour, but del Toro owns the film well from start to finish and along the way it takes a pop at the vested interest, industrial exploitation and the abusive power of self interest as it moves along entertainingly and in a more logical manner. It hits the ground running and rarely pauses for breath as it reminded me more of “Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014) than “Asteroid City” (2023). For my money, it’s still not as good as Anderson’s earlier more creatively innovative work, but it is still a fun ensemble effort that benefits from some gorgeous production design and a never ending supply of band-aids.
Director:
Release Date:
2025-05-23
Run Time:
102 min
MMPA Rating:
PG-13
Reviews of
The Phoenician Scheme
Unlike a few of the more recent Wes Anderson films, I thought this had more of a substantial story to underpin the antics as it follow the quite literally death-defying activities of entrepreneur “Korda” (Benicio del Toro). Now he’s made his squillions somewhat disreputably and has frequently been the target of assassins, so after this latest attempt sees him face down in the desert, he decides it’s time to make his will. He has loads of sons but just one daughter. She’s a nun, sworn to holy orders and is called “Liesl” (Mia Threapleton). Now she’s not the sort of “Liesl” we saw with Julie Andrews, this one is ruthlessly savvy and switched on as her father embarks on his most ambitious, secretive and toxic scheme yet - and that’s only going to further irk “Excalibur” (Rupert Friend) whom we know is running the “SPECTRE” style organisation determined to thwart his plans and see him six feet under. I suppose the snag with this film is that it isn’t so radically different, stylistically, from any of his recent stuff nor does the presence of his usual slew of Willem Dafoe, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks et al really offer us much by way of different or substantial characterisations for us to really get our teeth into, and that predictability also impacts a bit on the frankly “Monty Python” style of the humour, but del Toro owns the film well from start to finish and along the way it takes a pop at the vested interest, industrial exploitation and the abusive power of self interest as it moves along entertainingly and in a more logical manner. It hits the ground running and rarely pauses for breath as it reminded me more of “Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014) than “Asteroid City” (2023). For my money, it’s still not as good as Anderson’s earlier more creatively innovative work, but it is still a fun ensemble effort that benefits from some gorgeous production design and a never ending supply of band-aids.
'The Phoenician Scheme' is Wes Anderson being Wes Anderson (complimentary). I loved this! 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' and 'The French Dispatch' are works of this director that I've enjoyed most, but this 2025 release is on another level for me.
It's as amusing as it as stunning, Anderson films are unmistakably Anderson and this one is no different; it has everything you'd expect from a picture of his. The all-star cast list is usual for his flicks as well, here there are plenty of actors that I enjoy; so it was never gonna disappoint, I guess.
Benicio del Toro is an outstanding lead, I've always liked him as an actor ('Sicario', 'The Hunted') but this is his first performance (at least from the ten flicks featuring him that I've now seen) that is truly top notch in my mind; one impossible to forget, without doubt.
Mia Threapleton is the only prominent onscreen performer that I wasn't previously aware of; weirdly mind, because I recognised her voice 100% but when looking at her filmography, it turns out I've apparently not seen her in anything - odd, perhaps someone sounds just like her?
Where to begin in regards to the rest of the cast? Michael Cera is terrific, Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston are top fun, Mathieu Amalric gives as good as Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright and Benedict Cumberbatch (quite the look!). So many other big names in there too.
I still have eight Wes Anderson films to see at some point, but having only watched five he is evidently a reliable guy. I'd be surprised if I disliked any of those other works of his, especially as I didn't actually definitively like 'Moonrise Kingdom' but even that has its positives.
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://talkingfilms.net/the-phoenician-scheme-review-for-fans-and-skeptics-alike-a-more-accessible-entry-point-into-wes-andersons-world/
"The Phoenician Scheme is yet another clear example of Wes Anderson's singular vision, with the filmmaker continuing to provide space for every department to shine - from Adam Stockhausen's extravagant production design to Alexandre Desplat's witty score, and Bruno Delbonnel's immaculately aligned cinematography.
However, it's in the thematic exploration where the film reaches a rare point of balance: by portraying the transformation of a man consumed by vanity and ambition into a vulnerable and redeemed father figure, the writer-director offers a genuine reflection on regret, family reconnection, and personal sacrifice.
The subtle yet intentional performances by Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, and Michael Cera reinforce that emotional core, bringing humanity to a meticulously artificial world."
Rating: B
I absolutely adored this film; I think it was brilliantly done. I love Wes Anderson movies, and true to his style, this film was filled with drama and some cheeky flair.
I’m not quite sure what skill it takes for an actor to sit there with basically one expression throughout the entire film, yet convey a million things without saying a word. Whatever that skill is, it’s truly hypnotising, and this film showcased it perfectly.
All the actors and actresses in this world were simply stunning and brilliant. On top of that, the production design was amazing, which I absolutely adore.
The production design is the main reason why Wes Anderson is my favourite director. I love the vibe he creates and his aesthetic; it's kind of like a retro 70s dollhouse mixed with eating an ice cream on a very hot summer day. I can't explain it, but that's just the vibe I feel explains the Wes Anderson aesthetic the best.
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Cast & Crew of
The Phoenician Scheme
Cast
... Zsa-zsa Korda
... Sister Liesl
... Bjorn Lund
... Prince Farouk
... Leland
... Reagan
... Marseille Bob
... Sergio
... Marty
... Cousin Hilda
... Uncle Nubar
... Excalibur
... Mother Superior
... God
... Knave
... Broadcloth
... 1st Wife
... Prophet
... The Pilot
... Field Reporter
... Chairman
... Notary
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... 2nd Wife
... Assassin #1 (Desert)
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Bodyguard #2
... Governesses
... Governesses
... Bodyguard #1
... Chauffeur
... Cook
... Assassin #3 (Elevator)
... Security Officer
... Administrative Secretary
... Young Liesl
... Grandmother
... Young Anatole
... Nurse
... Nurse
... Nurse
... Nurse
... Nurse
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Bureaucrat
... Footmen
... Footmen
... Footmen
... Footmen
... Footmen
... Korda's Son - Jasper
... Korda's Son - David
... Korda's Son - Phillip
... Korda's Son - Michael
... Korda's Son - Jamie
... Korda's Son - Harry
... Korda's Son - Steven
... Korda's Son - Samuel
... Korda's Son - Thomas
... Korda's Son - David #2
... Tailor
... Barber
... Arsonist
... Arsonist
... Train Crew
... Train Crew
... Train Crew
... Train Crew
... Train Crew
... 3rd Wife
... Jazz Band
... Jazz Band
... Jazz Band
... Jazz Band
... Jazz Band
... Jazz Band
... Cigarette Girl
... Nightclub Waiter
... Nightclub Waiter
... Coat-check Girl
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Radical Freedom Militia Corps
... Security Officer
... First Mate
... Ship's Medic
... Scribe
... Assassin #2 (Fighter Jet)
... Angel
... Hermit
... King
... Surveillance Ops
... Surveillance Ops
... Surveillance Ops
... Surveillance Ops
... Surveillance Ops
... Surveillance Ops
... Cardinal
Crew
... Producer
... Director of Photography
... Production Design
... Director
... Special Effects Supervisor
... Producer
... Set Decoration
... Set Designer
... Concept Artist
... Concept Artist
... Original Music Composer
... Producer
... Producer
... First Assistant Director
... Production Sound Mixer
... Story
... Story
... Screenplay
... Art Direction
... Art Direction
... Art Direction
... Set Dresser
... Set Decoration Buyer
... Set Designer
... Set Dresser
... Set Dresser
... Set Designer
... Assistant Art Director
... Set Designer
... Assistant Art Director
... Set Dresser
... Set Dresser
... Set Dresser
... Set Dresser
... Set Decoration Buyer
... Set Dresser
... Art Direction
... Set Designer
... Set Designer
... Assistant Art Director
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Lighting Technician
... Stunt Coordinator
... Stunt Coordinator
... Stunt Double
... Stunt Double
... Executive Producer
... Executive Producer
... Co-Producer
... Associate Producer
... Music Supervisor
... Costume Design
... Editor
... Additional Editor
... Hair Designer
... Makeup Designer
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Unit Production Manager
... Line Producer
... Unit Manager
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Creative Consultant
... Casting
... Casting
... Casting
... Key Grip
... First Assistant Camera
... Second Assistant Camera
... Gaffer
... Supervising Art Director
... Property Master
... Property Master
... Graphic Designer
... Location Sound Mixer
... Colorist
... Second Unit Director
... Second Unit Director
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Costume Supervisor
... Special Effects Supervisor
... Propmaker
... Script Supervisor
... Additional Editing
... Storyboard Artist
... Location Manager
... Standby Property Master
... Standby Property Master
... Standby Carpenter
... Driver
... Loader
... Camera Trainee
... Steadicam Operator
... Still Photographer
... Gaffer
... Best Boy Electric
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Lighting Programmer
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Best Boy Grip
... Grip
... Grip
... Boom Operator
... Second Assistant Sound
... Sound Assistant
... Sound Assistant
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Orchestrator
... Conductor
... Music Editor
... Scoring Mixer
... Score Engineer
... Music Editor
... Music Coordinator
... Music Programmer
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... First Assistant Editor
... Assistant Editor
... Additional Editor
... Assistant Editor
... Assistant Editor
... Assistant Editor
... Post-Production Manager
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