The Phoenician Scheme

Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme crash-lands into theaters with a symmetry—and we’re here to unpack the wreckage. Benicio Del Toro plays Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda, a morally exhausted arms dealer who survives a plane crash and decides, rather abruptly, to become a better man. His daughter, a nun (played with unsettling calm by Mia Threapleton), may be his salvation. Or his reckoning. Or both. Along for the ride: Michael Cera as a soft-spoken entomologist, a council of multinational bureaucrats with murderous intent, and Bill Murray as God (in grayscale, naturally).Pete Wright hosts this morally ambiguous briefing with fellow operatives Tommy Metz III and Steve Sarmento, as they parse Anderson’s most spiritually ambitious and physically violent film to date. There are questions—big ones. Is this Cain and Abel by way of a TWA departure lounge? Why does forgiveness feel like a conference call?We dig into the film’s sumptuous craft, its emotional architecture, and the performances that hold it all together with linen thread and murmured apologies. If you’ve ever wanted to see a man seek redemption through dinner parties, aerial espionage, and awkward family reunions, this one’s for you.Film Sundries Watch this on Apple or find other places at JustWatch Theatrical trailer Letterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year Join our Discord community of movie lovers The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements The Film Board Movies We Like The Next Reel Film Podcast Sitting in the Dark Connect With Us: Main Site: Web Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest Your Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean Shop & Stream: Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed Originals: Source material from our episodes Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible