It's a well-known fact that Cannes Film Festival wouldn't be the same without the unique flair of Wes Anderson. The Houston native's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, made its world premiere on Sunday night at Cannes, receiving an impressive 7½-minute ovation from the audience. The film marked a significant moment for first-time Anderson film star Mia Threapleton, who was visibly emotional as the applause echoed throughout the Palais. Following the screening, Anderson shared his thoughts with the audience, stating, “The only thing really I can think to say — I think of 12 words to say that would stand for everything in this movie.” He also took a moment to acknowledge his talented cast and his longtime collaborator, Roman Coppola.
So, how does this 7½-minute ovation stack up against Wes Anderson's previous films that premiered at Cannes? His 2023 absurdist comedy garnered a substantial six-minute-plus cheer, while The French Dispatch, which was the first film to premiere at Cannes post-COVID, received a reported nine-minute ovation. In contrast, Moonrise Kingdom was met with a five-minute applause back in 2012. This trend showcases the consistent appreciation audiences have for Anderson's distinctive cinematic style.
The cast of The Phoenician Scheme is a testament to Anderson's ability to attract top-tier talent. Led by the seasoned Anderson veteran Benicio Del Toro and the talented Mia Threapleton, the film also features an impressive lineup that includes Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, Richard Ayoade, Willem Dafoe, and F. Murray Abraham.
In his review, Deadline’s Pete Hammond emphasized that The Phoenician Scheme “belongs lock, stock and barrel to Benicio Del Toro.” He plays an Onassis-style billionaire whose knack for Anderson’s distinctive dialogue shines through in this role. The film is co-written by Anderson and his long-time collaborator Roman Coppola, marking a return to the filmmaker's signature offbeat dysfunctional family comedies reminiscent of classics like Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums.
Set in 1950, The Phoenician Scheme follows European industrialist Anatole “Zsa-zsa” Korda (played by Del Toro), who has miraculously survived yet another assassination attempt — his sixth plane crash. Korda's complex and ruthless business practices have made him a target for rivals and governments around the globe. With threats looming, he decides to appoint a successor: his estranged daughter Liesl, portrayed by Threapleton, who is in training to become a nun.
As Korda and Liesl navigate the challenges of their relationship, they embark on a mission to address a rapidly expanding financial shortfall, which Korda quantifies as “Everything we got — plus a little bit more.” Meanwhile, Liesl delves into the unsolved murder of her mother, Korda’s first wife, adding depth to the film's narrative.
The Phoenician Scheme marks Anderson's third collaboration with Focus Features, following the successes of Moonrise Kingdom and Asteroid City, which together grossed an impressive $122 million worldwide. Since the pandemic, Anderson has emerged as a standout figure at the specialty box office. Asteroid City holds the post-COVID domestic opening weekend per-theater record with $142,000, following a robust $853,000 opening at six theaters in June 2023. The film went on to earn $9 million in its second weekend, ultimately concluding its U.S./Canada run with a total of $28.1 million.
Fans of Wes Anderson can look forward to The Phoenician Scheme as it opens limited in New York City and Los Angeles on May 30, with a wider release scheduled for June 6. This film promises to continue Anderson's legacy of charming, visually captivating storytelling that resonates with audiences around the world.
Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.
