Wes Anderson has outdone himself with his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, which brings together an A-list cast, including Benicio Del Toro and Scarlett Johansson. This farcical comedy is full of the director’s signature quirks, from symmetrical tableaux to brightly colored costumes, but this time around, it’s more fun than ever.
The story follows Zsa-zsa Korda (Del Toro), a wealthy businessman with a penchant for assassination attempts and shady dealings, as he tries to secure funding for his latest infrastructure project. His 20-year-old daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), agrees to help him, despite her reservations about her father’s morals.
As the plot unfolds, Korda encounters a series of absurd situations, including a high-stakes basketball game with Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston, and a proposal to his second cousin (Scarlett Johansson). Along the way, he narrowly avoids being assassinated multiple times, visiting a black-and-white heaven where God and angels play by Bill Murray, F. Murray Abraham, and Willem Dafoe.
While Anderson’s film is full of humor, it also touches on some serious themes, such as the consequences of exploiting others for personal gain. However, the director doesn’t delve too deeply into these issues, instead opting for a lighthearted and whimsical approach that prioritizes entertainment over substance.
Ultimately, The Phoenician Scheme is a fun but flawed film that will appeal to fans of Anderson’s idiosyncratic style. With its zany plot twists and memorable performances, it’s sure to delight audiences who are willing to suspend their disbelief and enjoy the ride.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250518-the-phoenician-scheme-review-wes-anderson-takes-his-quirkiness-to-a-whole-new-level