Sat May 24 01:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Anderson’s ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Debuts to Mixed Reviews; Kate Winslet’s Daughter Shines**

**Cannes, France -** Wes Anderson’s latest film, “The Phoenician Scheme,” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week, sparking debate among critics. While praised for its signature Andersonian style, the ensemble comedy is also being called “airless” and lacking the visual inspiration of his earlier works.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Benicio Del Toro as the notorious plutocrat-entrepreneur Zsa-Zsa Korda, who hatches an absurd plan to dominate the economy of a fictional Middle Eastern nation. However, the brief cameos of actors like Tom Hanks, Willem Dafoe, and Scarlett Johansson have been described as “phoning it in.”

Despite the lukewarm reception to some aspects of the film, one performance has been consistently lauded: Mia Threapleton, daughter of Kate Winslet, makes a “likable lead turn” as Liesl, a novitiate nun destined to take over her father’s business. Michael Cera plays Bjorn Lund, Liesl’s Norwegian tutor, hopelessly in love with her. Some critics say that Del Toro and Cera were essentially “wingmen to Kate Winslet’s daughter”

The plot revolves around Korda’s scheme and the efforts of the US government, led by Rupert Friend’s character, Mr. Excaliber, to thwart it. The film also includes visions of heavenly judgment featuring Bill Murray as God.

Critics have noted that “The Phoenician Scheme” maintains Anderson’s signature style, but some feel it borders on becoming a mannerism. While generally entertaining, it’s been described as lacking the romantic extravagance and childlike loneliness found in his best work.

“The Phoenician Scheme” is scheduled for release in cinemas on May 23rd.

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