The Verdict
"A caper made with all the intricacy of a Rube Goldberg machine,The Phoenician Schemedoesn't deviate from Wes Anderson's increasingly ornate style but delivers the formula with mannered delicacy."
"Another meticulously staged production by Wes Anderson,The Phoenician Schemeis an A-list variety show that will particularly tickle Andersonites with its whimsical dead-pan delivery of verbal delicacies."
Movie Review and Other Insights
The Phoenician Scheme is a visionary Comedy, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, Action, Crime film directed by the acclaimed Wes Anderson (Wes Anderson). Released in theaters on Jun 6, 2025, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by American Empirical Pictures and distributed by Focus Features, the film features a runtime of 1h 41m.
The story follows the story of a family and a family business. Leading the cast are star performers Wes Anderson, Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated PG-13 for Nude Images|Bloody Images|Smoking Throughout|Some Sexual Material|Violent Content, The Phoenician Scheme delivers a Dolby Atmos audio experience presented in a aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "A caper made with all the intricacy of a Rube Goldberg machine,The Phoenician Schemedoesn't deviate from Wes Anderson's increasingly ornate style but delivers the formula with mannered delicacy."
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Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
""Annoyingly precious," say Wes Anderson detractors who hate his intricate and elitist cinema dioramas that lack the common touch. Maybe. But this one takes us past the pastel color palettes that windmill in his mind to find the ache that feels human"
"The Phoenician Scheme is very agreeable and charming."
"Is there a future where I revisit Phoenician and find it significantly funnier and more profound (as was the case with Grand Budapest)? Yes, but unlike Korda’s redemption arc, mine isn’t imminent."
"It seems no one is living in Anderson's movies anymore--the deadpan, blank-faced "humans" at the center of Anderson's movies are merely apart of the decoration, no more emotional but no less beautiful than the (designs) that draw our eyes to his films."
"The Phoenician Scheme hands the audience a grenade to unearth kernels of fabricated honesty in the whimsical world-building. For some, the search will sound like a chore; others will see it as a satisfying exercise in being present."
"Cuts deep emotionally, and seamlessly shows how he's a master at his usual touches while also venturing into new territory."
Audience Reviews
Not sure what I just watched.
Very creative and entertaining!❤️
Another great by Wes Anderson. Benicio Del Toro killed it.
Art house film meets mob movie - it was an interesting watch. Worth a watch if you are a Wes Anderson fan.
if you're a fan of Wes Anderson, watch this film, you won't be disappointed. was left a bit adrift after Astroid City, I liked the some of its parts. The Phoenician Scheme is definitely more of a return to form and the cast is great! Benicio del Toro is great as well as Mia Threapleton who plays his estranged daughter. go watch it If you can, it'll be a fun time to be had.
Hilarious, clever. Will definitely watch again
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Phoenician Scheme released?
The Phoenician Scheme hit theaters on Jun 6, 2025, Wide. It became available for streaming on Jul 8, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 1h 41m. It falls under the Comedy, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, Action, Crime genre, featuring a sound mix in Dolby Atmos.
Who is the director of The Phoenician Scheme?
The movie is directed by Wes Anderson. The script was penned by Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola.
Who are the main actors in The Phoenician Scheme?
The top billed cast includes:
- Wes Anderson as Director
- Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda
- Mia Threapleton as Liesl
- Michael Cera as Bjorn
- Riz Ahmed as Prince Farouk
Why is The Phoenician Scheme rated PG-13?
It is rated PG-13 (Nude Images|Bloody Images|Smoking Throughout|Some Sexual Material|Violent Content)
Which studio produced the movie?
The Phoenician Scheme was produced by American Empirical Pictures and distributed worldwide by Focus Features.
About the movie
NEWThe story of a family and a family business.
- Director
- Wes Anderson
- Producers
- Wes Anderson, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson, John Peet
- Screenwriter
- Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
- Distributor
- Focus Features
- Production
- American Empirical Pictures
- Genre
- Comedy, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, Action, Crime
- Release Date
- Jun 6, 2025, Wide
- Run Time
- 1h 41m
- Rating
- PG-13
- Sound Mix
- Dolby Atmos