The Phoenician Scheme

Sister Liesl’s role as the sole heir challenges traditional expectations for women, emphasizing spiritual growth over romantic entanglements. Mia Threapleton’s casting highlights a strong, independent female perspective that defies conventional gender roles.

Zsa-zsa Korda portrays a corrupt, unstable patriarchal figure, while Liesl represents moral redemption. This contrast subverts the 'competent man' stereotype, placing the woman at the center of order and stability, with the man representing decay.

Riz Ahmed and Benicio del Toro introduce ethnic variety to the espionage genre. However, the Armenian protagonist’s non-Anglo-Saxon background does not fully center non-white experiences in the main family storyline.

The film contrasts Catholic novitiate with criminal activities, presenting religious structures as burdens rather than idealized institutions. This approach questions traditional Western views of redemption and justice.

There are no visible or invisible disabilities represented in the film. The narrative focuses on physical danger and psychological trauma without exploring these experiences through a disability lens, resulting in neutral but absent inclusion.