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8.2
Focus Features Acclaimed

The Phoenician Scheme

The Phoenician Scheme · Wes Anderson Collection

2025 101 min R
Critic8.2
Comedy Drama Crime Thriller
Focus Features Apple TV FindEdition
Trailer Where to Watch

Overview

A wealthy European industrial tycoon survives multiple assassination attempts and enlists his estranged nun-in-training daughter and their tutor to help him complete an ambitious infrastructure project across Phoenicia.
Story 8.0
Acting 8.6
Direction 8.8
Cinematography 9.1
Music 8.5
Pacing 7.9
Originality 8.3
Emotional Impact 8.4
Overall 8.2

Editorial Review

By FindEdition Cinema Desk

8.2 /10

Stellar Lead Performances

Benicio del Toro and newcomer Mia Threapleton anchor the whimsical chaos with a surprisingly touching father-daughter emotional core.

Signature Visual Grandeur

Bruno Delbonnel's cinematography and Wes Anderson's trademark symmetrical production design create an absolute visual feast.

Pros

  • Exceptional lead chemistry between Benicio del Toro and Mia Threapleton
  • Stunning trademark symmetrical production design and cinematography
  • Balanced blend of dark espionage comedy and genuine emotional heart

Cons

  • Packed cameo ensemble can occasionally distract from core narrative pacing
  • Peculiar auteur style remains distinctively polarizing for casual viewers
Verdict A whimsical, beautifully symmetrical, and surprisingly heartfelt espionage caper that ranks among Wes Anderson's finest recent works.

AI Review

A whimsical, stylish, and touching espionage comedy directed by Wes Anderson and starring Benicio del Toro as a tycoon navigating family legacy and global business deals.

A whimsical, beautifully symmetrical, and surprisingly heartfelt espionage caper that ranks among Wes Anderson's finest recent works.

Essential viewing in theaters or home streaming for all fans of Wes Anderson and stylish auteur comedies.

Awards

Cannes Film Festival

Palme d'Or (In Competition) · Nominated

Timeline

Release Date
Theatrical Date
Digital Date
Physical Date
Premiere
Festival
Status
Development

Conceived by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola as a darker espionage tale focusing on family business dynamics.

Principal photography

Shot entirely on location and on stages across Germany.

Post-production

Completed in early 2025 ahead of its Cannes debut and May theatrical rollout.

Cannes Film Festival

Palme d'Or (In Competition) Nominated

Production

Development

Conceived by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola as a darker espionage tale focusing on family business dynamics.

Principal photography

Shot entirely on location and on stages across Germany.

Post-production

Completed in early 2025 ahead of its Cannes debut and May theatrical rollout.

Streaming

Focus Features Apple TV FindEdition

Cast

Benicio del Toro Zsa-zsa Korda
Mia Threapleton Liesl Korda
Michael Cera Bjorn
Riz Ahmed Supporting Role
Tom Hanks Tycoon Financier
Bryan Cranston Tycoon Financier
Mathieu Amalric Supporting Role
Richard Ayoade Supporting Role
Jeffrey Wright Supporting Role
Scarlett Johansson Supporting Role
Benedict Cumberbatch Main Antagonist
Rupert Friend Supporting Role

Characters

Zsa-zsa Korda Benicio del Toro
Liesl Korda Mia Threapleton
Bjorn Michael Cera
Supporting Role Riz Ahmed
Tycoon Financier Tom Hanks
Tycoon Financier Bryan Cranston
Supporting Role Mathieu Amalric
Supporting Role Richard Ayoade
Supporting Role Jeffrey Wright
Supporting Role Scarlett Johansson
Main Antagonist Benedict Cumberbatch
Supporting Role Rupert Friend

Crew

Wes Anderson Director
Wes Anderson Screenwriter
Roman Coppola Story
Wes Anderson Producer
Steven Rales Producer
Jeremy Dawson Producer
John Peet Producer
Alexandre Desplat Composer
Bruno Delbonnel Cinematographer
Barney Pilling Editor

Videos

Official Trailer

Soundtrack

  1. The Phoenician Scheme Overture — Alexandre Desplat
  2. Zsa-zsa's Legacy — Alexandre Desplat

Trivia

  • Had its world premiere in the main competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025.
  • Benicio del Toro takes on his first full-scale leading role in a Wes Anderson feature.
  • Mia Threapleton, who portrays Liesl, is the daughter of acclaimed actress Kate Winslet.

Quotes

"The story of a family and a family business."

"When the empire faces ruin, you turn to the bloodline."

Goofs

  • During the European train sequence, background telegraph wire alignments shift slightly between consecutive wide angles.

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Collections

Part of Wes Anderson Collection

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Universe

Wes Anderson Cinematic Works

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Franchise

The Phoenician Scheme

A standalone original feature film directed by Wes Anderson.

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Recommendations & Alternatives

A similarly themed alternative is Black Phone 2.

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AI Recommendation Insight

A whimsical, stylish, and touching espionage comedy directed by Wes Anderson and starring Benicio del Toro as a tycoon navigating family legacy and global business deals. Similar picks: Shared Cast