The Phoenician Scheme

<em>'The Phoenician Scheme'</em> is Wes Anderson being Wes Anderson (complimentary). I loved this! <em>'Fantastic Mr. Fox'</em> and <em>'The French Dispatch'</em> 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 (<em>'Sicario'</em>, <em>'The Hunted'</em>) 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 <em>'Moonrise Kingdom'</em> but even that has its positives.

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.

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. Watch my video reviews: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKKZJF8ilRg/?igsh=aGNkcjU2NXNpYWZp https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSAB7w86/

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