The Phoenician Scheme is a 2025 espionage black comedy film written and directed by Wes Anderson, known for his quirky storytelling and unique visual style.
Co-written with Roman Coppola, the film brings together an all-star cast including Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Blending satire, spy drama, and offbeat family dynamics, the movie follows a mysterious family entangled in espionage and an old-world family business with strange secrets.
With international intrigue, stylized humor, and Anderson’s signature visuals, the film promises a mix of mystery and dark comedy.
The Phoenician Scheme Age Rating
The Phoenician Scheme is rated PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, some sexual material, nude images, and smoking throughout, which means parental guidance is strongly advised for children under 13. Some material may not be suitable for pre-teens. Below is a closer look at what parents should know:
Violence
The film includes scenes of stylized violence, consistent with spy thrillers. Characters are shown in danger, with a few intense sequences involving guns, hand-to-hand combat, and brief bloody images. Though not graphic or prolonged, the violence is frequent enough to warrant caution for sensitive viewers.
Language
The dialogue contains occasional mild to moderate language, including words like “damn” or “hell.” There are no strong or repeated uses of profanity.
Sexual Content
There are a few suggestive scenes, including moments of flirtation and innuendo. One scene features implied intimacy between characters, but nothing is shown graphically. Some brief nude images may appear in an artistic or comedic context, not meant to be explicit or sexualized.
Mature Themes
Themes of deception, loyalty, and family betrayal are central to the story. Characters are involved in espionage and secretive operations, and some scenes touch on adult topics like manipulation and power struggles. These are presented in a quirky, satirical tone.
Smoking, Drugs & Alcohol
The film features characters smoking cigarettes in several scenes, often used as a visual element of the stylized setting. There is occasional alcohol use, but no depictions of drug abuse.
Is The Phoenician Scheme Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10-12: Not recommended. The film’s stylized violence, mature themes, and brief sexual content make it inappropriate for younger viewers, even though it’s not overly graphic.
Ages 13-17: Suitable for most teens. Teens familiar with Wes Anderson’s style or fans of dark comedy and mystery will likely enjoy the film. While there are mature moments, the film’s tone remains light and artistic. It’s a good fit for older teens who can appreciate satire and dry humor.
Overall, The Phoenician Scheme is best suited for teens aged 14 and up, especially those who enjoy unique, character-driven storytelling.
What Parents Can Do
Watch the Trailer: Preview the trailer to get a feel for the film’s tone, pacing, and humor.
Discuss Family and Morality: The film explores themes of family business, secrecy, and loyalty, which can lead to thoughtful discussions with teens.
Clarify Stylized Content: Help younger viewers understand the difference between stylized, exaggerated storytelling and real-world behavior, especially regarding violence or smoking.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Phoenician Scheme?
A: MPA rated The Phoenician Scheme PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, some sexual material, nude images, and smoking.
Q: Is there nudity in the film?
A: There are brief nude images, presented in a non-sexual, stylized way, not intended to be explicit.
Q: Is the violence graphic?
A: No, the violence is stylized and brief, with some bloody visuals but no extreme gore.
Q: Can younger teens watch it?
A: While some younger teens may be okay with it, the content is better suited for ages 14 and up due to mature themes.
Q: When will The Phoenician Scheme be released?
A: The film will be released in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2025.