Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, was released on streaming platforms shortly after its theatrical run, offering a visually striking story centered on wealthy business families. While the film aimed to explore the theme of oligarchy, it instead focused largely on a father–daughter relationship, leaving much of the political backdrop underdeveloped.
Complex Storyline Falls Short in Exploring Oligarchy
The Phoenician Scheme follows the wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda, played by Benicio del Toro, who unexpectedly appoints his estranged daughter Liesl, portrayed by Mia Threapleton, as his sole heir. Together, they set out to secure funding for a massive infrastructure endeavor called the Phoenician Scheme, a project controversially built on slave labor. Along the way, they encounter assassins, suspicious business magnates, and foreign terrorists.
The conflict culminates when Zsa-zsa confronts his half-brother Nubar, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who is revealed as the mastermind behind assassination attempts fueled by longstanding family rivalry. After overcoming Nubar, Zsa-zsa chooses to personally finance the project despite losing his wealth, ensuring fair wages for the workers. Ultimately, Zsa-zsa finds happiness in simple pleasures rather than material wealth.
Despite the backdrop of powerful business interests and the ruthless competition among tycoons, the film barely scrutinizes the concept of oligarchy itself. Businessmen are depicted as increasingly detached and consumed by greed and consumerism, but these elements remain underexplored and mostly symbolic. Critics and viewers have noted that the film’s convoluted plot sacrifices clarity on its political themes, focusing instead on stylistic elements without a thorough examination of economic power structures.
Though the movie’s reception was mixed, The Phoenician Scheme managed to earn moderately positive ratings in comparison to Anderson’s previous films. The narrative complexity and ambitious themes were seen as overwhelming for some, and the political commentary felt less prominent than expected. Nonetheless, the movie retains Wes Anderson’s characteristic visual flair and quirky tone, qualities that some fans continue to appreciate.
At Its Heart, A Father-Daughter Story Emerges as the Film’s Core
While audiences debated the film’s thematic messaging, Wes Anderson himself identified the real focus of The Phoenician Scheme as a heartfelt father–daughter story. At a press event, the director explained that Zsa-zsa’s elaborate business plan served primarily as a way to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Liesl.
I think maybe from the beginning, in a way, his whole business plan is really a mechanism for him to get back together with her. He’s acting like he’s making her his successor, and really, it’s more about what’s gonna happen between the two of them right now.
—Wes Anderson, Director
The film closes with Zsa-zsa and Liesl sharing a tender moment playing cards in their modest home, symbolizing the father’s choice to abandon his former life of wealth for meaningful family bonds. Liesl later marries Bjorn, played by Michael Cera, adding another layer to her new life. The complicated plot ultimately serves as a backdrop to this personal reconciliation rather than a commentary on systemic issues.
This focus on emotional reunion over corporate critique left many viewers feeling that the film missed its opportunity to tackle important socio-political questions more directly. However, the tender father–daughter dynamic presents a surprisingly warm counterpoint to the otherwise tense and morally ambiguous narrative.
The Implications and What to Expect Moving Forward
The Phoenician Scheme highlights an ongoing tension in Wes Anderson’s filmmaking between style and substance, especially when addressing complex social themes. By prioritizing the emotional journey over a critical examination of oligarchy and economic power, the film may disappoint those hoping for a sharper political statement. Nevertheless, it offers a unique blend of visual artistry and emotional depth, especially in its portrayal of family relationships.
As The Phoenician Scheme becomes available for wider audiences on platforms like Apple TV in the USA, viewers may continue to debate whether the film’s narrative complexity serves or hinders its core messages. Given the film’s mixed critical reception, Anderson’s future projects might benefit from a tighter focus on either political exploration or intimate storytelling, rather than attempting to balance both.
The film’s treatment of corporate greed, family estrangement, and redemption invites discussion about the responsibilities filmmakers carry when portraying such themes. For now, Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme remains a visually captivating yet uneven experience that ultimately emphasizes personal connection over systemic critique.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Wes Anderson a genius?
A. All of his creations have a distinct style with carefully crafted details, including dry humor, balanced shots, and soft colors. His work is both fun and easy to appreciate. Each new tale he shares is an exciting event, and we look forward to celebrating some of his top works.
Q. Who started accidentally Wes Anderson?
A. In 2017, Wally and Amanda Koval started Accidentally Wes Anderson (AWA) on Instagram, building a community that now includes almost two million followers.
Q. Is Wes Anderson a genius?
A. Years later, with seven Oscar nominations, Anderson is seen as a top modern filmmaker, creating innovative movies like 2001’s The Royal Tenenbaums and 2023’s Asteroid City.
Q. What does Tarantino think of Wes Anderson?
A. In an unedited interview, Tarantino shared mixed views on Wes Anderson’s movies. He loved Anderson’s first film, “Bottle Rocket,” and liked “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” However, he didn’t appreciate the well-loved 1998 film “Rushmore,” featuring Jason Schwartzman as an unusual student at a private academy.
