The Phoenician Scheme

"The Phoenician Scheme is director Wes Anderson’s foray into spy comedies, specifically corporate espionage. The story follows a cynical and unscrupulous businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda (an excellent Benicio del Toro), who, after a long series of failed assassination attempts, decides to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton, daughter of Kate Winslet), to name her his heir—even though she is a nun. When the U.S. government launches a plot to sabotage his biggest business, Korda and Liesl must travel across the country to convince their partners not to withdraw their investments, evading sabotage and assassination attempts along the way. While this is a new genre for Anderson, the film repeats much of his style and themes, telling the story of an outsider searching for genuine connection. It won’t change the mind of any fan or detractor of the filmmaker, but one thing is very clear: Anderson’s humor is more refined and precise than ever. If you’re a fan of his work, you’re in for an incredible time."