The Phoenician Scheme – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Phoenician Scheme – Of the Father, For the Daughter: Quirks of the Family

Worlds are defined by many things, especially in storytelling.  To escape into the unknown is a dance of delicacy, one where the art becomes euphoric through a mixture of character, situations and progress.  From beginning to end, the subjectivity of the story may vary … but when the crossroads of audience and creator connect, it can be a magical experience.  In this review, I look at the latest film from Wes Anderson.  A creator known for unique takes of satire, this latest tale is no exception.  In a quirky world of humanistic zeal,  The Phoenician Scheme is an intriguing look at how wealth can be more than just power, but an idea of reconnection.

When a wealthy tycoon is threatened, he will embark on a journey that will reveal the true meaning of family.  In storytelling, one looks at the world with an eye of a push and pull.  A creator will pull from realism in order to push ideas into realms of fictitious allure.  For Wes Anderson (Writer/Director), he embarks on tales that infuse obscure scenarios into the truest form of human existence.  From The Royal Tenenbaums to The Grand Budapest Hotel, it is that unique spin of story that elevates the experience into something more.  With this latest entry, it continues the trend of fictional endeavors, but becomes a tale of emotional brevity.  In the beginning, we start with a sequence where we find wealthy business owner Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro), facing certain death from an attempted assassination.  After a humorous sequence and some quirky dialogue, Korda decides he needs a backup plan for his business.  This leads to him reaching out to his estrange daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton) to make her sole heir to his fortune.  Once they are reunited (through a funny scenario), we head into the main plot: A hopeful rekindled relationship against the backdrop of scheming rival tycoons, terrorist and determined assassins.  At this point, the film becomes a rambunctious journey of aloof like moments and witty banter through a satirical look at wealth.  As they navigate from scene to scene, the oddities become a subtle throughline into themes of family and personal worth.  From the layering dry humor to the idiosyncratic dialogue, Korda and Liesl’s relationship becomes the crux to the whimsical journey, one that reflects on an odd endeavor through the ‘father/daughter’ motif.  As the film continues to build through its blunt humor and obscure situations, the colorful dynamic sparks unpredictable outcomes that breathes originality in the mixing of espionage and cartoonish like characters (view the rest of the cast on the film’s IMDb page – link).  This unique spin brings to light the amazing script (from Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola), one that shows how a satire meddles in realism with a bit of charm and heart.  

As the two continue to travel to different points of the country (in an attempt to save the business), each situation peels back layers in each other’s intent.  With things coming to light, it elevates the dynamic in the ‘father/daughter’ concept, bringing to light purpose of familial affection.  This ripples through their decisions, leading to situations that drive the discourse of wealth and power.  With Korda and Liesl at a crossroads, we head into a third act of bombastic décor of genre intensity.  This broad stroke elevates the situation to an about face like climax and purposefully ambiguous epilogue.  The Phoenician Scheme is a film of odd moments, but endearing heart.  If you are a fan of Wes Anderson, quirky dialogue or satirical films, this is one for you.  For all that may be indifferent, original films like this one are worth the full price of admission. 

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)