Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme Fails to Impress Despite Mia Threapleton’s Stellar Performance

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Wes Anderson, one of today’s most unique filmmakers, elicits both admiration and skepticism, along with the occasional TikTok tribute. If you’re an ardent fan of his work, chances are you deeply appreciate it. On the other hand, critics find new reasons to criticize with each new release, including Anderson’s latest movie, “The Phoenician Scheme“, which premiered in Competition at Cannes Film Festival. Following the emotional depth of “Asteroid City“, Anderson continues to surprise by deviating from the norm rather than conforming, presenting a story about a father struggling to mend his broken relationship with his estranged daughter amidst a mid-century conspiracy.

In certain aspects, the film “The Phoenician Scheme” seems to mark a significant shift for its director. This is Wes Anderson’s most brutal work so far, both physically and ideologically. Yet, it remains undeniably a Wes Anderson production, filled with an extensive ensemble of characters, abundant visual humor, and a narrative centered around the torment of family, which he uses to further explore his unique artistic leanings. Nevertheless, despite “The Phoenician Scheme” being relatively easy to understand, it still appears to be one of Anderson’s less impressive works following “Asteroid City” and “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.

Mia Threapleton Is A Revelation In The Phoenician Scheme

Benicio del Toro Stars As Her Tycoon Father

The standout element from The Phoenician Scheme seems to be Mia Threapleton’s captivating portrayal. She plays Liesl, the daughter of Benicio del Toro’s character Zsa-zsa Korda, who is a businessman in constant danger of being assassinated. Liesl hasn’t seen her father for years and harbors deep resentment towards him, suspecting that he was responsible for her mother’s death. On the verge of becoming a nun, Korda summons her home to announce his decision to make her his sole heir. This move is intended both to reconnect with Liesl and to add an extra layer of complexity to his already precarious business dealings.

In one of the standout opening sequences of “The Phoenician Scheme,” Threapleton and del Toro create a dynamic reminiscent of Anderson’s finest scenes, their interaction sparkling with energy. Their on-screen connection serves as a foundation for the film, particularly amidst its complex narrative about a geopolitical corporate crisis that transports them across various captivating destinations. Alongside them travels the quirky professor Bjorn (portrayed by Michael Cera, who seems tailor-made for Anderson’s work). Throughout the movie, they encounter peril at every turn, offering Anderson a unique chance to explore suspense and tension, elements he typically avoids.

Unfortunately, the deep emotional connection portrayed in the film is marred by its intricate plotline and the way The Phoenician Scheme handles the film’s emotional undertones. Essentially, the movie revolves around a father and daughter uniting under difficult circumstances, fighting to conquer seemingly impossible obstacles. It appears that Anderson’s dry humor might be working against this narrative here. In previous works, his family-centric stories were successful precisely because of their humor, but in The Phoenician Scheme, the director seems conflicted between advancing the larger plot and focusing on the intricate details of the relationship being depicted.

The main narrative of “The Phoenician Scheme” that revolves around Zsa-zsa’s multiple business endeavors gets tangled up with action and character development, making it hard to follow. This production retains many elements typical of Anderson’s work – the meticulous attention to detail, notable actors delivering impactful brief performances, the use of sans serif font – and it seems like he’s enjoying himself more than in a long time. Some parts of “The Phoenician Scheme” are as eccentric as the director has ever been.

While many of Anderson’s past works have a strong foundation that everything else develops from, his latest work, “The Phoenician Scheme,” seems less unified than ever before. It’s clear that Anderson has a unique vision, but by adhering so strictly to it, he sometimes restricts himself instead of nurturing growth. Despite its quirky excitement, witty acting, and worldwide journey, the film appears confined in comparison to other grand cinematic endeavors.

The “Phoenician Plan” made its debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and is set to hit theaters on May 30th.

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2025-05-19 00:17