I’m not someone who watches movies just or the sake of it. In fact, I rarely get excited about going to the cinema, unless, it’s a Wes Anderson film. His movies are the only ones that make me count down the days until their release, and The Phoenician Scheme was no exception.

Before Wes Anderson officially announced the film, I had already been eyeing a particular cinema in Helsinki: Kino Konepaja. I stumbled upon it on Google Maps, and the moment I saw the photos of the cinema, I told myself, “This is where I’m watching the next Wes Anderson movie.” The interior, its colors, lighting, and overall aesthetic felt like it had stepped straight out of one of his sets.

So when The Phoenician Scheme was finally announced, I kept a close watch on Kino Konepaja’s screening schedule. I didn’t want to miss the opening day. I still remember standing at a bus stop during my morning commute when I saw their Instagram post: tickets were live. Right there on the bus, I opened the link, bought my ticket, and by the time I reached my destination, the confirmation email had already landed in my inbox. Yes, I was that excited.

June 6, 2025. The release day.

I arrived a bit earlier than I needed to, just to soak in the atmosphere and snap a few photos before the crowds arrived. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew I had made the right choice. Kino Konepaja is a cozy, artistic, and warm cinema in a way that makes you feel like you’ve walked onto a set rather than into only a movie theater.

A friendly dog greeted me at the entrance and the staff were equally welcoming. You can even order your snacks online in advance, so they’re waiting for you at your seat inside the theater. I didn’t do that, though I was in the mood for classic popcorn, so I placed my order at the bar. Everything about the experience felt relaxed and charming.

The theater itself was intimate and comfortable, perfectly suited for a film with Wes Anderson’s flair. It was one of those moments when the setting elevated the movie. Not just on screen, but all around me.

By the way, they host plenty of events, like themed movie screenings, cinema karaoke, and more, which you can check out here.

I’ll absolutely be coming back here. Not just for the movies, but for the full experience, especially when the movie and the cinema feel like they’re speaking the same whimsical, beautifully-styled language.