Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, is a bold, beautiful departure from his usual whimsical storytelling — swapping pastel-toned charm for a surreal, morally complex spy drama. But while the film’s style is still unmistakably Anderson, the story takes audiences into unexpectedly dark territory, especially in its final moments.
In this post, we’ll break down The Phoenician Scheme’s ending, what it could mean, and why this may be Anderson’s most daring movie to date.
What is The Phoenician Scheme About?
The Phoenician Scheme follows Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), a world-weary billionaire arms dealer seeking redemption. When he reconnects with his estranged daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton), now a nun-in-training, they are pulled into a web of espionage, faith, and political chaos.
Along the way, they meet strange allies, navigate war-torn embassies, and eventually confront a mysterious figure claiming to be God — played, in typical Anderson fashion, by longtime collaborator Bill Murray.
The film blends dry humor with spiritual overtones and bursts of stylized violence — a first for Anderson, who normally keeps blood off-screen.
Why Did Zsa-Zsa Do That in the Final Scene?
⚠️ Spoilers ahead!
In the climactic scene, Zsa-Zsa sacrifices his freedom — and possibly his life — by leaking a dossier on his own company’s war crimes. His daughter, Liesl, delivers the file to a Vatican emissary, exposing the corrupt governments that profited from arms sales.
But Zsa-Zsa’s motives are murky. Is he seeking justice, or just trying to earn his daughter’s forgiveness?
The final scene shows him disappearing into the ocean, echoing baptismal imagery — suggesting a rebirth or a symbolic washing away of guilt. Anderson doesn’t spell it out, but the visual poetry invites interpretation.
Is This Wes Anderson’s Darkest Movie?
Absolutely. While The Grand Budapest Hotel and Asteroid City had political themes and existential threads, The Phoenician Scheme dives into deeper moral waters.
The film is filled with moments of real violence — gunfights, betrayal, and even torture — though always framed through Anderson’s precise, symmetrical lens. The outcome is a haunting fusion of visual splendor and unflinching violence.
It’s also a deeply spiritual film. Bill Murray’s portrayal of God is both ironic and tender, raising questions about divine justice, forgiveness, and the absurdity of faith in a chaotic world.
Audience Reactions and Critical Opinions.
Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme drew a resounding 7½-minute standing ovation during its 2025 Cannes premiere, signaling strong critical reception. Critics praised its visual ambition and bold thematic pivot, though some were divided on its pacing and tonal shifts.
🎬 CinemaScore: “B-”
📊 PostTrak: 81% positive, 62% would recommend
📈 Box Office: $570,000 in limited release (6 theaters), with a per-theater average of $95,000 — the best indie opening of the year so far.
Critics from The New Yorker and WSJ called it “Anderson’s most grown-up work yet” and “a surreal sermon in pastels.”
Final Thoughts – Will This Be an Awards Contender?
The Phoenician Scheme isn’t your typical box office hit, but it’s shaping up to be a serious contender when awards season rolls around.
- Best Original Screenplay – For its daring blend of political drama and theology
- Best Supporting Actor – Benicio del Toro commands the screen with a raw intensity and understated power.
- Best Production Design – Every scene is meticulously crafted, even the violent ones
- Best Director – If the Academy embraces Anderson’s genre leap
Its critical acclaim, niche popularity, and unique style make it a potential awards season dark horse.
When Will The Phoenician Scheme Release on Streaming?
As of June 2025, The Phoenician Scheme is playing in select U.S. theaters nationwide. A streaming release is likely in late August or September 2025, possibly on platforms like Peacock (Focus Features’ parent company is Universal).
📌 Bookmark this article — we’ll update as soon as official streaming dates are announced.
What Did You Think of The Phoenician Scheme?
Did the ending leave you inspired? Confused? Moved?
