Wes Anderson Releases Multi-Location Film The Phoenician Scheme

Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, explores themes of wealth, power, and complex family dynamics through the story of tycoon Zsa-sza Korda (Benicio del Toro) and his estranged daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton), a nun he names as his heir. The film blends Anderson's signature stylistic touches with a more zany and lighthearted tone, as Korda embarks on a global mission to save his fortune amid assassination attempts and high-stakes business dealings involving various wealthy figures. Liesl's moral convictions create tension with her father's ruthless pursuit of wealth, ultimately prompting a shift in his character. The movie features an ensemble cast including Michael Cera, Benedict Cumberbatch, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, and Bill Murray, whose roles add layers of humor and intrigue. Critics note that while the film's dense plot and numerous characters can be challenging to follow, it rewards viewers with a rich, madcap narrative and reflections on contemporary issues of greed and power. Anderson himself discusses how current realities subtly influence his work, marking a departure from his traditionally insulated cinematic worlds.