Director: Ben Mullinkosson Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes Languages: Chinese, English Release Date: March 15, 2024 (United States) Streaming Platform: MUBI Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) 🧭 Synopsis "The Last Year of Darkness" offers an intimate glimpse into Chengdu's underground nightlife, centering around Funky Town, a queer-friendly club nestled beneath the city's construction cranes. As urban development threatens its existence, the film follows a group of young ravers, performers, and lovers navigating moments of doubt, self-destruction, and epiphany. 🎭 Key Figures Yihao Yang: A drag performer grappling with childhood trauma and self-identity. 647: A skateboarder and food delivery worker, representing the city's gig economy. Kimberly & Xiao Long: A couple facing mental health challenges, seeking solace in Funky Town's embrace. Darkle & Gena: DJs pioneering Chengdu's queer music scene, exploring their...
Director: Wes Anderson
Writers: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
Starring: Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Riz Ahmed, Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray
Genre: Espionage / Black Comedy / Drama
Runtime: 105 minutes
Release Dates: Premiered at Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025; U.S. theatrical release on June 6, 2025
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
🧭 Plot Overview
Set in the 1950s, "The Phoenician Scheme" follows Anatole "Zsa Zsa" Korda (Benicio del Toro), a wealthy and morally ambiguous tycoon who, after surviving multiple assassination attempts, appoints his estranged daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), a nun-in-training, as his sole heir. Together, they embark on a multi-nation scheme involving infrastructure projects across the eastern Mediterranean, navigating a world rife with scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.
🎭 Performances
Benicio del Toro delivers a compelling performance as Zsa Zsa Korda, capturing the character's complexity and moral ambiguity. Mia Threapleton, in a breakout role, shines as Liesl, balancing innocence with determination. Her portrayal has been widely praised, marking her as a rising talent in the industry.
The ensemble cast, including Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch, contributes to the film's rich tapestry of characters, each bringing their unique flair to the narrative.
🎬 Direction and Cinematography
Wes Anderson's signature visual style is evident throughout the film, with symmetrical compositions and meticulous set designs. However, "The Phoenician Scheme" marks a departure from his typically vibrant palette, opting for a more muted and somber aesthetic. This shift complements the film's darker themes and adds depth to the storytelling.
🎶 Music and Sound Design
The score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, weaves seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the film's emotional resonance. The music underscores key moments, adding layers to the characters' journeys and the overarching themes.
📝 Writing and Themes
Co-written by Anderson and Roman Coppola, the screenplay delves into themes of familial estrangement, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the search for redemption. The narrative structure, while intricate, occasionally meanders, with some critics noting that certain sequences, such as an extended basketball scene, detract from the film's momentum.
Despite these pacing issues, the film offers a poignant commentary on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the value of genuine human connection.
🏁 Conclusion
"The Phoenician Scheme" stands as a testament to Wes Anderson's willingness to explore new thematic territories while retaining his distinctive cinematic voice. While the film may not resonate with all audiences due to its tonal shifts and pacing, it offers a thought-provoking narrative enriched by strong performances and meticulous craftsmanship.
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