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The Phoenician Scheme Opens Wide to Praise for Its Visuals and Divides Critics on Its Narrative

Featuring a star-studded ensemble, the 1950s-set caper explores family, faith, legacy through Anderson’s signature production design.

The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson directing Benicio del Toro in The Phoenician Scheme
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Overview

  • The Phoenician Scheme, directed by Wes Anderson, opened in wide release on June 6 after premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
  • Critics have lauded the film’s meticulous 1950s production design and trademark symmetrical visuals.
  • Reviewers remain divided on the story’s depth, describing its complex, Rube Goldberg–style espionage plot as both witty and emotionally distant.
  • Benicio del Toro stars as industrialist Zsa-zsa Korda opposite Mia Threapleton’s nun Liesl, supported by an ensemble that includes Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson.
  • Industry reports suggest a PVOD launch around July 6 followed by an early August streaming window on Peacock.