Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme Reviews: Early Buzz from Cannes 2025 Premiere

The Phoenician Scheme reviews are pouring in following its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, and Wes Anderson’s latest espionage black comedy is sparking lively debate. With a star-studded cast led by Benicio Del Toro and Mia Threapleton, the film promises Anderson’s signature quirky style but seems to divide critics on its emotional depth and narrative coherence.

From praise for its visual splendor to critiques of its convoluted plot, here’s a comprehensive breakdown and analysis of the first reactions to this highly anticipated release, based on verifiable sources.

What Is The Phoenician Scheme About?

Set in the 1950s in the fictional Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia, The Phoenician Scheme follows Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro), a wealthy, morally ambiguous tycoon navigating a complex infrastructure deal while reconnecting with his estranged daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), a nun-in-training.

Accompanied by Bjorn (Michael Cera), a nerdy entomologist, Korda faces assassination attempts, negotiates with eccentric business associates, and grapples with existential visions of heaven featuring Bill Murray as God.

The film blends dark comedy, family drama, and satire, tackling themes of capitalism, redemption, and fatherhood.

Critics note the film’s ambitious scope, with Anderson weaving a globe-trotting caper that’s both a visual feast and a narrative puzzle. The ensemble cast, including Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch, adds star power, but the father-daughter dynamic remains the emotional core, even if some reviewers find it underdeveloped.

How Are Critics Rating The Phoenician Scheme?

Early The Phoenician Scheme reviews reveal a mixed but generally positive reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 77% approval rating based on 111 reviews, with a consensus describing it as “a caper made with all the intricacy of a Rube Goldberg machine” that “delivers the formula with mannered delicacy” but doesn’t stray from Anderson’s ornate style. On IMDb, it scores a 6.9/10, reflecting a decent but not exceptional audience response.

Posts on X echo this sentiment, with @FilmUpdates reporting a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score shortly after the Cannes premiere, later dipping to 76% as more reviews rolled in. While some fans and critics hail it as Anderson’s best since The Grand Budapest Hotel, others call it his weakest in years, highlighting a polarized response.

What Do Critics Love About The Phoenician Scheme?

Many The Phoenician Scheme reviews praise Anderson’s unmistakable aesthetic. The Telegraph calls it “tender, witty, wondrous,” emphasizing its dreamlike quality and meticulous design, from mustard-yellow suits to aquamarine deserts.

Den of Geek labels it “delightful,” comparing its narrative propulsion to The Grand Budapest Hotel and applauding del Toro’s commanding performance. Rolling Stone highlights the film’s humor and touching father-daughter story, with Michael Cera stealing scenes as the quirky Bjorn.

The Guardian singles out Mia Threapleton’s “breakthrough” performance, noting her ability to hold her own against del Toro. Empire praises the film’s world-building and Cera’s MVP-worthy sidekick role, suggesting Anderson is at his most fun when bending his own rules. Fans on X, like @filmwithyas, call it a “blast,” citing its accessibility and craft as bigger and better than ever.

What Are the Main Criticisms of The Phoenician Scheme?

Not all The Phoenician Scheme reviews are glowing. Some critics argue the film prioritizes style over substance. IndieWire calls it Anderson’s “busiest and least rewarding” work, criticizing its disjointed vignettes and lack of emotional depth in the father-daughter bond.

Slate goes further, labeling it potentially Anderson’s worst, missing the heart and nuance of The Royal Tenenbaums. ABC News echoes this, comparing it to an “SNL skit parodying Wes Anderson” due to its convoluted plot and overly deadpan performances.

NPR notes a darker, angrier tone compared to Anderson’s usual fare, which may alienate fans expecting warmth. TIME describes it as “muted” and “schematic,” suggesting Anderson’s frustration with the world overshadows his colorful world-building.

On X, @davidehrlich  laments that the style works against the story, making it less rewarding on first viewing. Critics also point out the underuse of A-list cameos, with stars like Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson relegated to brief, immobile roles.

How Does The Phoenician Scheme Compare to Anderson’s Previous Work?

The Phoenician Scheme reviews often frame it within Anderson’s oeuvre. Fans of The Grand Budapest Hotel may find similarities in its caper-like energy, with Den of Geek calling it his best since that 2014 masterpiece.

However, others compare it unfavorably to Asteroid City or The French Dispatch, noting a lack of emotional resonance or narrative complexity. Slate sees it as a throwback to The Royal Tenenbaums but without its charm, while The New York Times views it as a soul-obsessed inquiry into goodness, a new angle for Anderson.

On X, @NextBestPicture calls it one of Anderson’s weaker films but still a treat for fans, suggesting it doesn’t reach the heights of his earlier classics. The film’s tighter focus compared to the sprawling Asteroid City is a plus for some, but its reliance on familiar tropes—symmetrical frames, quirky characters—sparks debate about whether Anderson is innovating or recycling.

Why Is Michael Cera’s Performance Generating Buzz?

Michael Cera’s role as Bjorn is a standout in The Phoenician Scheme reviews. Critics across the board praise his comedic timing and quirky charm, with Empire calling him the greatest Anderson sidekick since The Grand Budapest Hotel’s Zero.

Rolling Stone and Slate highlight his ability to steal scenes, with his fake Swedish accent and unexpected character turns adding humor and heart. The Guardian notes his “amusing savoir faire,” making him a perfect fit for Anderson’s universe.

On X, @davidehrlich declares Cera was “born for this,” reflecting widespread enthusiasm for his performance. His role as a nerdy yet surprising entomologist adds a fresh dynamic, with many hoping he’ll return in future Anderson projects.

Some Closing Thoughts: Will The Phoenician Scheme Appeal to Wes Anderson Fans?

The Phoenician Scheme reviews suggest diehard Anderson fans will find much to love—stunning visuals, witty dialogue, and a playful ensemble—despite its flaws. The film’s 77% Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.9 IMDb rating indicate a solid, if not universally acclaimed, addition to his catalog.

For those who enjoy his meticulous style and don’t mind a lighter emotional core, the film’s caper energy and standout performances, especially from Cera and Threapleton, make it a worthwhile watch.

However, casual viewers or those seeking the heartfelt depth of Moonrise Kingdom may find its convoluted plot and muted tone less engaging. With a limited release on May 30, 2025, and a wider rollout on June 6, The Phoenician Scheme is poised to spark more discussion as audiences weigh in.

Whether it’s a return to form or a stylish misstep, Anderson’s latest is undeniably his own.