The Phoenician Scheme (2025)— A Tale of Wealth, Power, and Survival

How many times can one man cheat death before fate catches up? (SPOILERS INSIDE)

Directed by: Wes Anderson Starring: Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bryan Cranston, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright

Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the desert city of Korda, The Phoenician Scheme follows Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda (Benicio del Toro), a wealthy business tycoon who has survived countless assassination attempts. His grand vision? A 150-year plan to build generational wealth through an ambitious infrastructure project.

After miraculously surviving a comedic plane crash, Zsa-Zsa decides it’s time to name an heir. Out of his nine sons, he unexpectedly chooses his eldest daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), who is preparing to become a nun. Their agreement is temporary — she will assist in his business while secretly pursuing justice for her mother’s murder, which she believes Zsa-Zsa orchestrated.

The Players in the Scheme

• Bjorn (Michael Cera) — A scholar and bug enthusiast, initially hired to educate Zsa-Zsa’s sons. He earns Zsa-Zsa’s trust through a lie detector test, unknowingly becoming part of the grand scheme.
• Prince Farouk (Riz Ahmed) — A charming sovereign who introduces Zsa-Zsa to the underground railway system, where Liesl and Bjorn grow closer.
• The Americans (Bryan Cranston & Tom Hanks )— Business partners who attempt to pull out of the deal, only to be challenged to a basketball match — a bizarre yet effective negotiation tactic.
• French Investor (Mathieu Amalric) — Initially resistant to Zsa-Zsa’s blackmail, but after surviving a nightclub shootout, he agrees to fund part of the project.
• Shipping Magnate (Jeffrey Wright) — A powerful investor who saves Zsa-Zsa’s life with a blood transfusion, but laughs at his desperate plea for financial support.
• Cousin Hilda (Scarlett Johansson) — Zsa-Zsa’s cousin, whom he proposes to as part of a business deal. She refuses to fund the project, forcing him to accept defeat.

The Betrayal & The Truth

As the scheme unfolds, Zsa-Zsa faces another near-death experience, meeting God (Bill Murray) in the afterlife. Meanwhile, Bjorn is revealed to be a spy for the U.S. government, sent to sabotage the project. However, having fallen in love with the family, he agrees to become a double agent.

The freedom fighters intervene, bringing Zsa-Zsa and Liesl home to stop a government attempt to halt construction. Liesl’s Mother Superior arrives, urging her to abandon her vows and embrace business instead. Liesl is torn — does the Church value her faith or her wealth more?

The Final Gamble

The last hope lies with Uncle Nubar (Benedict Cumberbatch), the elusive investor who could fill the final funding gap. As Zsa-Zsa grows emotionally, reconnecting with his sons, he reveals that Liesl may not be his daughter — but possibly Nubar’s. Regardless, he asks to adopt her.

Nubar refuses to fund the project, forcing Zsa-Zsa to risk everything, putting all his assets on the line. Just when success seems within reach, Nubar reveals himself as the mastermind behind the assassination attempts. Their final confrontation ends in Nubar’s demise through a mysterious purple gas.

The Legacy Left Behind

Zsa-Zsa emerges rich in life but poor in wealth. His family is closer than ever, though his marriage to Hilda dissolves. He now owns a humble restaurant, embracing a simpler existence. Bjorn proposes to Liesl, and she accepts, choosing love over the life she once envisioned.

Performances

• Benicio del Toro delivers a fantastic performance, balancing humor and intensity as the determined tycoon.
• Mia Threapleton shines as Liesl, embodying the contradictions of faith and ambition.
• Michael Cera is a standout as Bjorn, his transformation from scholar to double agent making him one of the film’s most compelling characters.
• Benedict Cumberbatch plays a ridiculously theatrical villain, his stage presence adding gravitas to the final act.
• Bill Murray & Willem Dafoe make memorable cameos, adding surreal depth to the afterlife sequences.

Final Verdict

A fun, eccentric, and deeply philosophical film, The Phoenician Scheme explores truth, legacy, and the absurdity of power. Wes Anderson’s signature style shines through, blending whimsy, satire, and existential musings into a visually stunning experience.

👻 The Phantom Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Lingering Ghost (3/5) 👻

A solid 3/5, offering inventive storytelling and standout performances.

Official Poster — The Phoenician Scheme Movie Poster (#1 of 11) — IMP Awards