Wes Anderson is back with another film featuring guest appearances that you don’t even know are featured in the film, and a story that is wild and explosive at times.

Wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Review

Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, follows a businessman on a journey to complete a deal that will make him and his investors rich for a century to come. Of course, that also means some people want to stop him. Anderson’s films never fail to be odd and somewhat convoluted in the plot department. However, on the surface, The Phoenician Scheme is probably the least confusing of his recent works in terms of story progression and plot points.

Anderson brings back many of his favorite recurring cast members from previous films, whether in background roles or top billing. The dialogue is deadpan and dry. The music is overly punchy at times, occasionally talking over itself in scenes to drive home a serious moment. As Zsa-Zsa (del Toro) tries to close the gap in his business dealings, an increasingly absurd series of interactions and methods of doing business emerge.

Wes Anderson’s films cater to a very specific viewer, but even if that isn’t you, one thing you can appreciate, especially with this film, is the color palette and set design. The film is bright, loud, and specific when it needs to be. It draws your attention exactly where it wants you to look. It hasa  purpose, and it helps pull the audience into the story.

Even with the technically stunning costume design and set pieces, The Phoenician Scheme leaves one wondering about its true intent. Is it the story of a once-scrupulous businessman trying to bring his family together? Or is it just a crazy scheme that never gets off the ground? The world may never know.

The Phoenician Scheme hits theaters June 6. Myself, I feel very safe watching this. And for the record, The Phoenician Scheme is better at its handling of grenades than Ballerina (the John Wick film).

Credit: Courtesy of TPS Productions/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.