'The Phoenician Scheme' Is a 10/10 Return to Form for Wes Anderson

I’ll be honest with you all, I'm a big fan of Wes Anderson. I truly believe he’s one of the most divisive directors working today. Why? Because all of his films maintain a consistent level of quality, and how people rank his filmography often comes down to personal taste rather than clear-cut quality differences.

For example, while I really enjoyed Asteroid City, I found it less engaging on a rewatch. So going into The Phoenician Scheme, I wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily, living in the UK meant I had the pleasure of seeing it early ahead of its US release. And now that I’ve seen it, here are my thoughts.

People often joke that Wes Anderson’s films are all style and no story. But with The Phoenician Scheme, that couldn’t be further from the truth. This film has a real plot, a proper espionage adventure centered around a dysfunctional family and their business associates. It’s the kind of storytelling I feel Anderson has been missing lately, and it’s great to see that sense of adventure return to his work.

While Anderson’s signature dry humor is still very much present, this might be the darkest film he’s ever made. From the moment I heard it described as an “espionage thriller,” I was intrigued. This film is tonally different, darker in mood, story, and even in visual style. The colour grading in particular leans into more muted tones, shifting away from Anderson’s usual vibrant palette.

This film also marks a first: Anderson working without his longtime cinematographer Robert Yeoman. Instead, the cinematography is handled by Bruno Delbonnel, one of my personal favorites. And honestly? Delbonnel is a perfect fit. His visual style complements Anderson’s symmetrical compositions and aesthetic quirks while adding a new richness and texture. His experimental touches feel fresh and elevate the film even further.

Alexandre Desplat’s score is another highlight. It complements the film’s tone beautifully, as does the stellar production design and costuming. The editing is also sharp and purposeful, making the narrative feel more cohesive and straightforward than some of Anderson’s more recent, vignette-heavy films.

The performances are top-tier. Benicio del Toro delivers a brilliant leading performance, while Mia Threapleton impresses with a strong breakout role as his daughter. The supporting cast, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch, are all excellent, each making a meaningful impact rather than fading into the background as mere cameos.

But for me, the standout performance goes to Michael Cera, who absolutely steals the show whenever he’s on screen. His awkward, deadpan charm feels tailor-made for Anderson’s world. He doesn’t just fit in, he feels like he’s always belonged there. I genuinely hope this marks the beginning of a Cera-Anderson partnership and sparks a renaissance in Cera’s film career. He deserves it.

The Phoenician Scheme may end up being divisive among Anderson fans, but personally, I loved it. It’s a welcome return to narrative adventure, boosted by strong direction, fantastic visuals, brilliant performances (especially del Toro and Cera), and a darker, more experimental edge that suits Anderson surprisingly well. I’m curious how it’ll hold up on rewatches, but for now, it’s an easy 5 out of 5 and a 10 out of 10 from me.

Thanks for reading! If you’ve seen The Phoenician Scheme, let me know your thoughts down below. And if you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out and form your own opinion!