Film Review - The Phoenician Scheme

The Phoenician Scheme promotional material

Wes Anderson brings another one of his aesthetically-pleasing trademark comedies to theatres to positive reception.

The Phoenician Scheme follows ruthless businessman Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) who, after surviving yet another assassination attempt by airplane sabotage, decides to move ahead with a massive infrastructure project in the Phoenician region through slave labor. To assist him, he attempts to mend his relationship with his only daughter (Mia Threapleton), who he sent to live in a convent when she was five years old. Through the film, they make deals to ensure the successful financing of the project and evade more assassins.

The film consists of a large cast, consisting of Hollywood superstars such as Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Riz Ahmed, Jeffrey Wright, F. Murray Abraham, Stephen Park, and many more.

The film consists of Wes Anderson's typical trademarks, including highly-detailed visual symmetry, a bright color palette, deadpan delivery of comedic lines, simple but elegantly-designed sets, and a celebrity cast.

This film ranks as a worthy marker in the greater span of Anderson's filmography, serving as a great example of Anderson's style and abilities. This film distinguishes itself from others by the characters' deep personal explorations of their lives and working to make amends with the past. The film's focus, Korda, has recurring visions of being judged in the afterlife, prompting him to reevaluate his life and commit himself to genuine public good. His wooden banter with his daughter is enjoyable to watch and join them in their hijinks.

However, the film does not represent Anderson at his greatest ability. While it does an exceptional job of showcasing Anderson's trademark quirks and styles, it does little to distance itself from the rest of his filmography. Those that are not familiar with or do not appreciate his style might not find the same enjoyment from this project as others might. Some viewers may be put off by the seemingly emotionless, deadpan delivery and seemingly convenient instances of "plot armor" (where a character is protected from harm no matter what traditional logic might dictate) and uncannily still camera takes.

Overall, The Phoenician Scheme works as a typical Wes Anderson film, with moments that deliver laughs and amusement to fans of the director's work.