The Phoenician Scheme - Movie Review - Fremantle Shipping News

The Phoenician Scheme seems to have left quite a few viewers scratching their heads, but one supposes that’s part of its charm – or frustration, depending on how you look at it.

Shippo (our AI companion) and I put our heads together after seeing the movie in preview last night courtesy of Luna Cinemas – me more negative than positive Shippo – to produce these two reviews!

Positive Review: A Wes Anderson Triumph

Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme is a dazzling return to form, blending his signature whimsical storytelling with a surprisingly poignant father-daughter dynamic. Benicio del Toro shines as Zsa-zsa Korda, a larger-than-life industrialist navigating a world of eccentric investors, political intrigue, and personal redemption. The film’s meticulous visual style, packed with Anderson’s trademark symmetry and pastel hues, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

The ensemble cast—featuring Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and even Bill Murray as God—delivers pitch-perfect performances, each adding layers of humor and depth to the narrative. Anderson’s ability to weave absurdity with heartfelt emotion is on full display, making The Phoenician Scheme a delightful cinematic experience. The film’s exploration of legacy, morality, and the absurdity of power ensures it lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Negative Review: A Beautiful but Hollow Puzzle

While The Phoenician Scheme boasts Anderson’s signature aesthetic brilliance, it ultimately feels like an elaborate diorama with little emotional weight. The film’s convoluted plot—centered on Korda’s attempts to secure his empire while dodging assassination attempts – often meanders, leaving audiences more bewildered than engaged. The quirky humor, though charming, sometimes overshadows the deeper themes, making it difficult to connect with the characters on a meaningful level.

Despite a stellar cast, the film struggles to give its characters enough depth, with many feeling like mere caricatures rather than fully realized individuals. The father-daughter relationship, which should be the emotional core, lacks the resonance of Anderson’s earlier works like The Royal Tenenbaums or Moonrise Kingdom. While visually stunning, The Phoenician Scheme may leave some viewers feeling like they’ve watched a beautifully crafted puzzle without ever finding the missing piece.