The Phoenician Scheme Review
Some consider him a visionary, others call him confusing, but if there’s one thing Wes Anderson isn’t, it’s “boring”. The style of Anderson, who gave us Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Grand Budapest Hotel, has its own fascination with many for how off-kilter his directing style is. Yet, Anderson’s direction has always given fans such memorable films. However, with his return to the big screen with The Phoenician Scheme, it feels like the charm that made Anderson’s previous films special is losing its touch despite how hilariously awkward it is.
The Phoenician Scheme follows the escapades of frugal businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro). When he appoints his only daughter who’s a nun, Sister Liesl (Mia Threapleton), as his only heir, the two find themselves in a sticky situation. Along with his odd assistant, Bjørn (Michael Cera), Zsa-zsa must do what he can to financially save himself and his daughter while negotiating (or fighting) who he can.
As with every other Wes Anderson movie, The Phoenician Scheme never ceases to let itself slow down. The pacing in this film keeps you constantly on your toes, always being to the point with such quick dialogue. The subtle changes in these characters’ personalities work in tandem with the somewhat swift pacing as Anderson lets specific moments shine and sizzle in to keep you hooked. This really goes for the dynamic between Zsa-zsa and Liesl, which maintains a consistent robustness about its peculiarity.
The father-daughter relationship development between Zsa-zsa and Liesel is as straight as you’d expect. There’s this odd stoicism in both of their characters that makes them unique, yet somehow resolute at the same time. Through some of the interactions they share about their familial connection, there’s also a little bit of empathy that makes you want to feel for them, but it’s mostly surface-level until the end. Still, some of their conversations do set up some hilarious moments later on.
As for the rest of its cast, The Phoenician Scheme is filled to the brim with eccentric characters. Specifically, Cera’s Bjørn is one of, if not, the best character amongst everyone else with his over-emphasized accent and quirky mannerisms. While he finds himself trying to get Zsa-zsa on track for his business plans, Bjørn innately gets himself into weird situations that will get you awkwardly laughing (in a good way).
Moreover, there are a couple more characters that really shine. Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston are particularly funny as Leland and Reagan, two brothers who put Zsa-zsa through an unusual basketball competition. Jeffrey Wright’s Marty is the most excitable character you’ll only get to see for just a few moments, but he’s a quick talker that’ll refocus your attention. With such characters, Anderson makes sure that there’s ample time to explore each one’s motivations in the grander machination of Zsa-zsa’s business plans.
The Phoenician Scheme’s story might feel complicated given everything that happens. One moment, Zsa-zsa and Liesl are trying to negotiate with one of the partners behind the “gap”, this economical element that feels more like a barrier than anything. This gets lost in all of the conundrum between the connective exploration between Zsa-zsa and Liesl and some of the more supernatural elements when Zsa-zsa has these visions. In some ways, the film can feel like it wants to be different for the sake of being different.
The film feels very much like a tilted play: you want to be invested in whatever Anderson is creating with Zsa-zsa’s story, but there’s much that happens in between the details. As such, the usual eccentrics that Anderson infuses into this film may feel like they over-emphasize too much. While the humor is still there, the complications in the narrative make it hard to fully enjoy it.
The Phoenician Scheme still retains the avant-garde and unconventional way of storytelling Wes Anderson is known for, with strange characters you’ll appreciate and moments that’ll make you laugh. However, it does feel like the style that Anderson has been used to for so long might be wearing out, especially for a concept that feels grounded like this movie.
The Phoenician Scheme releases in theaters on May 30.
Rating: ★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.