Anna Daniels
A Cinematic Inferno
Wes Anderson, the genius behind quirky storytelling, has launched The Phoenician Scheme—an explosive addition to the cinematic landscape. Unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, this dark comedy thriller is a visual spectacle that could easily overwhelm the senses. Yet, the reactions are mixed: some praise it as Anderson’s most significant creation, while others dismiss it as a visually stunning but emotionally barren experience. The online chatter is in full swing, with critics debating its merits. What’s fueling this frenzy?
A Story of Contrasting Views
Let’s dissect it. The Phoenician Scheme stands as Anderson’s most controversial film since The French Dispatch (2021), no small feat for a director often shielded from harsh critiques. On one side are the naysayers. IndieWire rated it a B-, deeming it “the least fulfilling of Anderson’s projects,” arguing that its chaotic plot and overwhelming grandeur overshadow any emotional weight. The Irish Times slammed it harder, likening it to “an exquisite vase—beautiful on the outside yet hollow.” That’s the kind of blow that hits hard.
On the flip side, defenders are singing its praises. Variety remarked that the film is “complex yet undeniably enjoyable,” presenting a touching tale of a father and daughter that remains “no less profound” than his finest works. They claim it addresses major themes—such as mortality, legacy, and familial bonds—while remaining true to Anderson’s signature style. Empire shared this sentiment, appreciating its “sharper focus” compared to the more expansive Asteroid City (2023). It’s akin to comparing a Fabergé egg to a chocolate surprise: each beautifully crafted, but one may lead to deeper cravings.
In a revealing twist, the film’s Rotten Tomatoes rating is precariously balancing on the line between “fresh” and “rotten,” a notable rarity for Anderson, whose films typically achieve “certified fresh” status. Hitting limited theaters on May 30, 2025, with a broader release on June 6, it carries a PG-13 rating and runs for 105 minutes—short for Anderson but filled with enough visual humor to entertain for hours.
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME – “Sole Heir” Official Clip
The story of a family and a family business. THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME, a film by Wes Anderson. In select theaters New York & Los Angeles May 30, everywhere June 6. Starring: Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of the richest men in Europe; Mia Threapleton as Liesl, his daughter/a nun; Michael Cera as Bjorn, their tutor.
Decoding the Divide
To grasp why critiques vary so widely, let’s explore the film in detail. Set in the fictional Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia during 1956—a nod to mid-20th century Lebanon—The Phoenician Scheme centers around Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), a suave mogul entangled in a convoluted infrastructure deal. Accompanied by his estranged daughter, Sister Liesel (Mia Threapleton), a morally conflicted nun, Korda navigates a web of saboteurs, rebels, and a celestial force resembling Bill Murray. It’s a tale about familial connections, legacy, and the price of ambition, all examined through Anderson’s lens of harmony, irony, and dry humor.
The crux of the debate centers around a pivotal question: does the film possess an emotional center? The Guardian labeled it an “enjoyable yet hollow ensemble piece,” suggesting it lacks the visual inspiration of Anderson’s earlier works like Moonrise Kingdom (2012). BBC Culture awarded it three out of five stars, calling it “silly yet enjoyable” but “meandering and dialogue-heavy,” potentially “too outlandish” for those not enamored with Anderson’s style.
On the contrary, Variety views it as a “personal and introspective” return to form, intertwining deeper themes within a satirical narrative. They point to the father-daughter relationship between Korda and Liesel as the film’s emotional core, with del Toro’s nuanced performance and Threapleton’s sharp debut taking center stage. Empire concurs, highlighting Threapleton’s Liesel as a moral counterbalance to Korda’s corruption, anchoring the film’s eccentricity.
The setting enhances the narrative’s complexity. Anderson’s invented Phoenicia, filled with grand estates and dusty towns, serves as a history lesson from an alternative reality. It’s a bold choice—why conform to reality when you can design a world that’s quintessentially Anderson? However, critics like those at IndieWire argue this ambition sometimes eclipses the story, turning it into a “museum exhibit of human connection” rather than a genuine exploration.
| Review Source | Rating | Key Critique |
|---|---|---|
| IndieWire | B- | “Least fulfilling,” too chaotic, lacks emotional resonance |
| BBC Culture | ★★★☆☆ | “Silly yet enjoyable,” slow-paced, potentially too eccentric |
| The Guardian | N/A | “Enjoyable yet hollow,” less visually captivating than past films |
| Variety | N/A | “Complex yet delightful,” meaningful father-daughter narrative |
| Empire | N/A | “Tighter focus,” entertaining and morally grounded |
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME – “Human Rights” Official Clip
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME, a film by Wes Anderson. Starring: Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of the richest men in Europe; Mia Threapleton as Liesl, his daughter/a nun; Michael Cera as Bjorn, their tutor. With: Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis.
A Reflection of History
This isn’t the first time Anderson has encountered a split in critical reception. The French Dispatch (2021) also polarized viewers, with some praising its anthology style and others finding it overly packed. However, The Phoenician Scheme presents a different narrative—it explores deeper themes beyond mere aesthetics. Imagine if Orson Welles directed Citizen Kane but replaced the sled with a box of grenades—that’s the level of ambition involved. Anderson is attempting to blend his distinctive whimsy with serious subjects about life and family, a combination that not everyone is on board with.
The cast, however, is a universally acknowledged highlight. Del Toro, typically known for his serious roles, brings a refined charm to Korda, complete with tailored suits and slicked-back hair. Threapleton,
Fresh from her role in I Am Ruth (2022), Liesel captivates as a scene-stealing nun, her porcelain-like visage capturing attention throughout the film. With special appearances from Hanks, Johansson, and Cera, it feels like Anderson’s hosting a gathering where everyone’s welcome.
What’s Your Take?
Is The Phoenician Scheme Anderson’s crowning achievement or a misfire? The answer likely varies depending on personal taste. Visual enthusiasts will find joy in the stunning frames and clever humor. However, if you’re seeking the emotional payoff akin to The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), you may leave wanting more. Nevertheless, it’s obvious this film is igniting discussions—an undeniable strength of Anderson’s work.
The hard truth is that The Phoenician Scheme might be Anderson’s boldest project to date. It delves beyond mere visuals, exploring themes of family, legacy, and errors. Some viewers appreciate this layered approach, while others see it merely as a striking facade. That complexity is what makes it compelling.
Check it out. Debate its merits. Whether you adore it or dislike it, you’ll have a viewpoint. Are you on the “visual splendor” side or the “emotional drought” team? Let the dialogue commence below. Or feel free to pause the film just to appreciate the artistry. No pressure. (Well, maybe a bit.)
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME – “You Used to Work for Me” Official Clip
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME, a film by Wes Anderson. Starring: Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of the richest men in Europe; Mia Threapleton as Liesl, his daughter/a nun; Michael Cera as Bjorn, their tutor. With: Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis.
