The Phoenician Scheme

20251h 42m Directed by Wes Anderson
6.7
(488 votes)
AdventureComedy

Overview

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.

The Phoenician Scheme

A Wildly Entertaining yet Flawed Adventure in "The Phoenician Scheme"

Noura Haddad
Noura HaddadSep 23, 2025
The Phoenician Scheme, released in 2025, is a wildly entertaining adventure-comedy that promises a thrilling ride filled with scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins. The film's premise, centered around a wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda and his unlikely heir, a nun, is undeniably intriguing and sets the stage for a unique blend of action, humor, and heart. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the filmmakers have attempted to craft a cinematic experience that is both lighthearted and intense, often with mixed results.

The film's strongest aspect is its cast, which delivers performances that are, at the very least, engaging and charismatic. The lead characters, particularly the nun-turned-heir, are well-developed and complex, making it easy for viewers to become invested in their journeys. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and their interactions often provide the film's most memorable moments. The action sequences, while not overly original, are well-choreographed and add to the film's sense of urgency and excitement. However, the comedy elements, which seem to be a crucial part of the film's identity, often fall flat, relying on tired tropes and predictable jokes that fail to land.

Despite its flaws, The Phoenician Scheme remains a captivating watch, thanks in large part to its breakneck pace and relentless energy. The plot twists and turns, keeping viewers on their toes as they attempt to unravel the complex web of schemes and conspiracies. The film's themes of family, loyalty, and redemption are timely and well-explored, adding depth to an otherwise straightforward adventure narrative. Ultimately, the film's impact is hindered by its inability to fully balance its tone, resulting in a viewing experience that is both enjoyable and frustrating. With a runtime of just 102 minutes, The Phoenician Scheme is a relatively quick watch, and fans of the adventure-comedy genre may find it to be a worthwhile, if imperfect, diversion. While it may not be a masterpiece, The Phoenician Scheme is a fun, entertaining ride that is sure to leave viewers smiling, even if it doesn't entirely leave a lasting impression.

CAST

Benicio del Toro
Benicio del Toro
Zsa-zsa Korda
Mia Threapleton
Mia Threapleton
Sister Liesl
Michael Cera
Michael Cera
Bjorn Lund
Riz Ahmed
Riz Ahmed
Prince Farouk
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks
Leland
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston
Reagan
Mathieu Amalric
Mathieu Amalric
Marseille Bob
Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade
Sergio
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch
Uncle Nubar
Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright
Marty

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