The Phoenician Scheme Review


Feels minor in comparison to Asteroid City but let's be totally real, everything does. Genuinely kind of astonished by how much new stuff Wes is going after in this one. Bold new stylings, characterization and formal tricks set against a back drop of all of his curiosities dialed up to their maximum and beyond. Using broad thrills and moments of intense violence to get at the brutality and hollowness of uber capitalism and somehow finding ways to make it exciting, harrowing, moving, and fucking hilarious. It's also one of his most finely cast outings; Benicio is such a commanding lead and Cera is given some all-timer material. The almost wordless epilogue of this film is one of Wes' finest - it gets at a sense of peace and honesty that feels lovely and rewarding and yet still with a slight edge of unease to keep it interesting. It's an incredible time to be a fan of this guy. B+

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