Directed by Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme is already one of the greatest successes of the summer, with its standout writing, blockbuster cast, and comedic acumen. We’re just about halfway through the year, and I can already smell a “Best Ensemble” nominee worthy of celebration.
Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) is one of the richest men in Europe. A businessman who has built a reputation for hustling, swindling, and cheating his way to an empire. Also known as “Mr. 5%”, his biggest and boldest venture yet catches the attention of the U.S. government. Using all the resources available, he has to get his daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), onboard with his plans before one of the countless assassination attempts is successful.
Benicio del Toro puts on one of the best performances of his career as Zsa-zsa Korda. The highly intelligent, business-minded Korda knows only money and progress. What is love? A semblance of love is represented by the nearby home that houses his nine sons. His eldest child, Liesl, his only daughter, is a nun and is chosen to be the sole heir to his fortune. Their wit, dry humor, and candor work exceptionally well when paired together, making their onscreen chemistry irresistible.
His bold plan, the “Phoenician Scheme,” is an elaborate business plan that spans the length of Phoenicia, boasting various investments in mining, rail, and other ventures. His five-part plan is introduced to her via shoeboxes, which is the starting point of one of the zaniest adventures you’ll experience in 2025.
The writing, direction, and score are all incredible. Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola developed the story, with Anderson also directing and Alexandre Desplat composing original music. The groundwork felt familiar, with pacing and off-the-wall comedy reminiscent of The Grand Budapest Hotel. That review was published 11 years ago to the day, also making its presence felt strolling into Memorial Day Weekend. Not only are their structures similar (Gustave and Zero are Zsa-zsa and Liesl), but there’s plenty of overlap in casting.
Stars of TPS include Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, Aysha Joy Samuel, Imad Mardnli, and Tonio Arango.
There’s nothing that will stop the greed of man and their jealousy of Korda to the point of ruining his fortune or even death. The film opens on a failed assassination attempt aboard a plane. As news spreads, the masses are shocked that he survived, yet another attempt on his life. He initially brings his daughter into the fold for security purposes: as a beneficiary, his money and assets would go to her instead of the government. But as time passes and their run-ins with danger begin to mount, his perspective of Liesl changes. A gradual respect is earned and shared between them, but only in a manner that Wes Anderson could sign off on.
The Phoenician Scheme gets a 9.5 out of 10. It’s off-the-rails hilarious and extremely intelligent. Within the first few minutes, a body exploded and derailed my expectations, but that was the worst of the violence. The PG-13 rating is accurate, with crude humor, questionable book covers, and a handful of gunshot wounds. Mia Threapleton has made a serious case for herself to be thrown into the “Best Of” hat once awards season kicks off. From the investors in Marseille and Sacramento to Uncle Nubar, every actor brought a piece of themselves into every character displayed in this film. Help yourself to a hand grenade and enjoy this incredible film next week.
The Phoenician Scheme releases in NY/LA on May 30, then nationwide on June 6.
-Jon Jones
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: NY/LA on May 30, nationwide on June 6
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