Wes Anderson's 2025 espionage thriller explores the complex bond between a father and daughter.
In short: In his 2025 black comedy The Phoenician Scheme, Wes Anderson pivots to the world of international intrigue. Starring Benicio del Toro as a ruthless industrialist, the film follows a desperate attempt to reconcile with his daughter while managing a massive infrastructure project, all set against a backdrop of global conspiracy.
The film centers on Anatole Zsa-Zsa Korda, a stateless arms dealer who survives multiple assassination attempts in 1950. Facing his own mortality, Korda attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Sister Liesl, by involving her in a grand scheme to overhaul Phoenician infrastructure. The project is threatened by a consortium of governments aiming to bankrupt him, forcing Korda to navigate a web of blackmail, deceit, and dangerous alliances.
Anderson drew inspiration for the film from the life of his late father-in-law, Fouad Malouf, a Lebanese engineer. The character of Korda is a composite of several real-life figures, including oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian, whose nickname Mr. Five Percent and lavish lifestyle directly influenced the protagonist. The film’s visual and thematic elements reflect this historical fascination, utilizing authentic props sourced by museum curators and a unique 1.5:1 aspect ratio to craft its distinct aesthetic.
Beyond the espionage plot, the film delves into religious themes and the nature of the afterlife, drawing stylistic inspiration from filmmakers like Luis Buñuel and the team of Powell and Pressburger. Anderson, who co-wrote the script with Roman Coppola, frames the narrative as a ritualistic attempt by a father to win his daughter's affection. The production, filmed in Germany, marks a departure from Anderson’s usual collaborations, featuring cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel in place of his longtime partner Robert Yeoman.
Critical reception has been generally positive, with reviewers noting the film's ornate, mannered style. While some critics found the narrative overly fussy, others praised its technical precision. By the summer of 2025, the film had grossed approximately $39 million worldwide, cementing its place as a significant, if divisive, entry in Anderson’s filmography.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Phoenician Scheme
- Also: Wikidata — The Phoenician Scheme · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — The Phoenician Scheme · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-the-phoenician-scheme.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
