Dir. James McAvoy
2025 | 107 mins | UK, US | English
Séamus McLean Ross, Samuel Bottomley, Lucy Halliday

Showing Times

• Fri 01 May: 2pm + 8pm
• Sat 02 May: 7pm
• Tue 05 May: 8pm
• Wed 06 May: 11am Δ
• Thu 07 Mat: 8pm

Δ Baby Friendly Screening

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Actor James McAvoy’s directorial debut is an irresistible comedy drama inspired by the stranger-than-fiction real life tale of faux-Californian rap duo Silibil N’ Brains.

Lifelong friends Gavin (Séamus McLean Ross) and Billy (Samuel Bottomley) dream of hip-hop superstardom, but nobody in the early 2000s UK rap scene takes them – two white guys with thick Dundee accents – seriously. Fed up of being laughed out of auditions, they hatch an absurd plan that unexpectedly works: posing as hard-partying Californian MCs. After they con one of the industry’s top producers (McAvoy), their star is on the rise, but as the lies pile up, their friendship is put to the test.

McAvoy directs with real affection for his characters, capturing both the comedy and the potential darkness of a deception that threatens to spin out of control. With engaging performances, smart insights into the music industry’s obsession with authenticity and a terrific soundtrack featuring original music by Silibil N’ Brains, California Schemin’ is a funny, canny and poignant take on image, friendship and the double-edged sword of ambition.

BBFC Rating
Rated 15 – strong language, drug misuse

Venue: Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix

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