THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME -- A Quirky and Satisfying Adventure

Review by Jonathan Berk

Wes Anderson's new film, The Phoenician Scheme, is full of his familiar style and flair. Despite the similarities his twelfth film shares with its predecessors, Anderson takes the time to experiment with the addition of new elements to liven up his impeccable production design. Much like his style, the film is full of familiar faces, but even there, we discover the inclusion of a new actor among his usual suspects that feels like a long-lost love. Fans of Anderson should find his newest film to be a triumph, and walk out feeling satiated. 

Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) has survived many plane crashes. The latest one felt a little too close, and he decides it's time to embrace an heir. He looks to his estranged daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), to take over his vast empire. However, her eyes are set on a different kingdom: that of heaven, as she plans to take her vows in the coming weeks. The two set out to acquire funding for his greatest plan to date, which will secure his legacy and wealth for years to come. 

While Anderson is often praised for his set design, costumes, staging, and overall camerawork in his films, he rarely tackles action. Often settling for witty dialogue between characters, the few moments of action in his new film apparently opened the path to some new ideas. On multiple occasions, a POV camera is utilized to show the impact of some hits that have a similar comedic tone to the often biting sarcasm found in the dialogue. It was fun seeing the established auteur try some new things.

​Anderson clearly has a strong rapport with many actors who have worked with him over the years, based mainly on their frequency of return. Del Toro's section of The French Dispatch was one of the stronger elements of that anthology-style story. He fits into the quirky spaces that Anderson builds perfectly, and this pairing really finds its footing here. The deadpan delivery and odd timing fit del Toro's style perfectly. Not only is he a compelling screen presence easily able to carry the film, but he's just a total blast as this character.

Threapleton is a new player in Anderson's troupe, but feels like an instant fit. The chemistry – or intentional absence of it, in moments – with del Toro truly works well. Their relationship is the centerpiece of the story, and if you didn't buy their connection, the film would fall apart. Fortunately, they work together perfectly throughout the film, and they are dynamite on screen together. 

While Threapleton is incredible, the true shock was seeing that Michael Cera had never worked with Anderson before. If ever there was a match made in Heaven, it is this one. Cera's natural awkwardness feels like it is the mold in which Anderson used to craft many other characters in his oeuvre. Cera is the tutor that Zsa-zsa keeps around, who gets a promotion to assistant when the journey begins. He is ever present and used perfectly to interject a variety of emotions. It's great seeing Cera flex his comedic chops and acting prowess in a Wes Anderson world. 

There are many familiar and famous faces sprinkled throughout the film. Some are clearly visible in the marketing, while others may be a welcome surprise. The film is a globetrotting epic set to a svelte 102 minutes.   Some of those faces show up for mere seconds, while others play integral moments that people will walk out talking about. It's likely everyone will have that one scene that really clicks because you just couldn't stop laughing. 

Similar to Asteroid City, Anderson employs a B-story that is black and white. It's by far one of the most layered elements of the film, and will require some true reflection to decide what, if anything, Anderson was thinking about. The scenes have the potential to have deep, existential meanings, but also offer some of the best cameos. 

The Phoenician Scheme is Anderson's best film since The Grand Budapest Hotel – and I liked Isle of Dogs, The French Dispatch, and Asteroid City. This film is so propulsive and full of laughs, it’s undeniable. The characters have depth, the jokes pay off, the cast is on point, and Anderson's aesthetic is immaculate as ever. There are allusions to films of the past and a world long forgotten; yet, at the heart, it's about a father and his daughter. 

The Phoenician Scheme will be in theaters on May 30.

Rating: 4.5/5