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.
The Phoenician Scheme (2025) is a captivating adventure-comedy directed by Wes Anderson. The film follows wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda, who unexpectedly names his only daughter, a nun, as the sole heir to his vast estate. As they dive into a new venture, they become entangled with cunning tycoons, terrorists, and assassins. This film is perfect for you if you’re in the mood for quirky humor, whimsical storytelling, and a visual feast that only Anderson can provide. It’s a delightful mix of comedy and adventure that will keep you engaged and entertained. Ideal for a lighthearted movie night with friends or when you need a laugh!
My Review
I will forever maintain that a ranking of Wes Anderson movies will always be oldest to newest, and this fits cleanly into that theory.*
That said, despite this being my least favorite Wes Anderson movie, it’s still enjoyable and will undoubtedly get a second viewing in the near future. The characters are more hyperbolic than ever, but each one is perfectly cast (and I love watching new actors enter the Wes Anderson universe, knowing we’ll see them in future films - I’m looking at you Michael Cera). The art direction builds on Asteroid City but also brings in a ton of elements from previous films, its so fun to watch - that overhad shot of the hospital bath to begin the film was fantastic.
Two things that I found myself thinking at several points of the movie:
- Benicio Del Tora is essential Gene Hackman in Royal Tenenbaums
- Why, when every element in the movie is fictional and so stylized, are the ring boxes so clearly Cartier?
Give me Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums, but I’m so glad Wes Anderson continues to make films, each more Wes Andersonified than the previous.
*(if you exempt Bottle Rocket, which is excellent, but doesn’t fit cleanly into the rankings as a student film).