Film review: ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ by Nick Gardener from ‘Built For Speed’
Wes Anderson films are now their own subgenre, an excursion into a pastel coloured diorama world filled with quirky neurotic oddballs who are often doggedly noble or gleefully sadistic. While we can appreciate Anderson for carving out a distinctive piece of the cinematic universe, his tendency to avoid anything resembling a coherent or meaningful narrative, to pile absurdity on top of absurdity and substitute cartoon silliness for emotional depth can be irritating, at least for those not seduced by his approach. The Phoenician Scheme continues that tradition with a procession of supposedly comic set pieces built on eccentric behaviours rather than what might be considers a substantial plot.
Here, the strange Howard Hughes-like uber rich industrialist Zsa Zsa Korda (Benicia del Toro) facing financial oblivion, flies around the world trying to secure support from a motley collection of creditors. He’s joined by his estranged daughter Liesel (Mia Threapleton) who has become a nun and his children’s anxious Norwegian tutor Bjorn (Michael Cera). All the while, a corrupt group of business rivals led by someone called Excalibur (Rupert Friend) engage in price fixing to try and bankrupt Korda.
Like many Wes Anderson films, The Phoenician Scheme feels like a meandering indulgence but it’s not without its virtues. Benicio del Toro still makes an indelible impression as Korda bringing a little more edge to the standard Wes Anderson lead character than we normally see. He also handles Anderson’s brand of humour about as well as anyone could, occasionally delivering some genuinely funny lines. Mia Threapleton is also an appealing presence here as forthright daughter Liesel even though she speaks in the forced monotone voice typical of many Wes Anderson characters. Michael Cera is the funniest and probably most endearing character in the film as the nervous Bjorn. Other names actors such as Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston are wasted, though, in fleeting bit parts.
Typically, the film looks remarkable with Anderson’s vivid colour scheme and symmetrical shot construction. This film was actually shot by cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel rather than Anderson’s usual collaborator Robert Yoeman but it looks just like Anderson’s other films.
With lashings of otherworldly zaniness, The Phoenician Scheme will likely enchant Anderson obsessives but will once again test the patience of those not already enamoured of this distinctive director’s work.
Nick’s rating: **1/2
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Adventure.
Classification: M.
Director(s): Wes Anderson.
Release date: 27th May 2025.
Running time: 105 mins.
Reviewer: Nick Gardener can be heard on “Built For Speed” every Friday night from 8-10pm on 88.3 Southern FM.