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The Phoenician Scheme

MOVIE

Format(s) Available

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Opening Date

05 Jun 2025

Rating

To Be Advised

Runtime

Language

English

Genre

Action, Comedy

Director

Wes Anderson

Cast

Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Riz Ahmed, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Richard Ayoade

Synopsis

Dark tale of espionage following a strained father-daughter relationship within a family business. Twists revolve around betrayal and morally gray choices.

Reviews

By InCinemas 05 Jun 2025

An espionage film the Wes Anderson way.

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Wes Anderson is back with his latest feature THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME. Once again assembling a star-studded cast and an elaborate set, the auteur teams up with fellow writer-director – Roman Coppola – to bring us a tale of an unlikely father-daughter duo working to salvage their enterprise while dodging multiple assasination attempts by both personal and business enemies.

Premiered as an Official Selection at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME is one of the most anticipated summer films of 2025.

A signature of his films, Anderson’s latest presents an aesthetic feast for audiences: lavishing set pieces, symmetrical shots, and an exquisite score by none other than his frequent collaborator Alexandre Desplat.

The stacked ensemble (featuring the likes of Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and more) is headed by Benicio del Toro who plays Korda, a wealthy businessman who names his only daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton) as the sole heir to his estate. Threapleton stuns as the young-nun-turned-heiress who stands opposite del Toro with equal footing. However, the true show-stealing performance is Michael Cera’s Bjorn. Fans of both Anderson and Cera have mooted the idea of them collaborating for some years now, and this film not only meets but exceeds that expectation. For film enthusiasts who are into awards, Cera for best supporting actor is a cause to root for.

THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME sees Anderson in perfect control and condition throughout – curated shots, eccentric characters and rhythmic pacing that does not miss a beat. It is an effortless product by the filmmaker that avid followers of his work would undoubtedly enjoy with ease. Both narrative choices in the form of character decisions as well as dialogue are so deliberate, one could only marvel at the tightness of the storytelling.

Of course, this film works best for those who place a strong emphasis on aesthetics and style, as well as those who have grown attuned to his films. It may not be as impressive for viewers who seek to resonate with a film on a deeper level, something which THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME could have been better at. The central father-and-daughter relationship is one which takes off and lands nicely by the end, but due to the precision of the film, there could have been more “turbulence” for the ending to be more “earned”.

This is a film that showcases all of Wes Anderson’s strengths, perhaps a little too polished and “safe” for some. With the same premise, it is entirely possible for Anderson to take a few creative risks and explore ways of storytelling we have yet to see from him.

Maybe that’s the task for his next feature film. Until then, THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME is here to dazzle and generate laughs the usual Anderson way.

Catch THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME in cinemas from 5 June onwards!
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