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California Schemin
Directed by
James McAvoy
Releasing Apr 10, 2026
1h 41m
Biography
,
Drama
,
and more
7.3
95%
Add to Watchlist
Two Scottish lads from Dundee conned the music industry by pretending to be an established Californian rap duo, bagging a record deal and appearing on MTV until their scam unraveled.
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Cast of California Schemin
Séamus McLean Ross
Gavin Bain
Samuel Bottomley
Billy Boyd
James McAvoy
Anthony / Director
Lucy Halliday
Mary Boyd
Amber Anderson
Amy
Sonny Poon Tip
Simon
Rebekah Murrell
Tessa
Jennifer Winn
Hayley
David Witts
David Goren
Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Chloè Anais Hunt
James Corden
Archie Thomson
Writer
Guy J. Louthan
Producer
Danny Page
Producer
Stephen Kelliher
Executive Producer
Sophie Green
Executive Producer
Andy Drummond
Production Design
James Rhodes
Director Of Photography
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California Schemin Reviews
Film Inquiry
Jules Caldeira
California Schemin' is a solid directorial debut, with underdog leads that are charismatic even when they make the wrong decisions.
Variety
Jessica Kiang
McAvoy's smarts in bringing out some of those unusual textures while the main engine of his movie chugs merrily away to an audience-friendly, exportable beat, is good reason to watch California Schemin'.
Substream Magazine
Murjani Rawls
While the film's beats have an inevitability to them, just enough smart deviations exist to make this an enjoyable debut.
Geek Girl Authority
Monita Roy Mohan
A well-told, tightly written, edited, acted, and directed film. You'll dance to the rap songs, but feel the stress before and after as the boys continue their con. This film is unmissable for music fans.
Eye for Film
Jennie Kermode
The lads' delight at their early success is engaging, and both stars acquit themselves well.
Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)
Rachel Wagner
A crowd pleaser, a nice little movie. Entertaining
Film Obsessive
Tina Kakadelis
McLean Ross and Bottomley, as Silibil N' Brains, are like puppy dogs with a dream they refuse to let go of...They are so easy to root for, and so is California Schemin'.
Collider
Tania Hussain
California Schemin' is confident, entertaining, and deeply personal. McAvoy creates a story of ambition, prejudice, and performance that gives Scotland's underdog spirit its due.
FlickSided
Louis Skye (Ronita Roy Mohan)
There's an almost old-school, '90s-esque quality to California Schemin' that I absolutely loved. This film is so well-paced... Every scene started and ended at precisely the right moment, at the very height of tension.
The Hollywood Reporter
Michael Rechtshaffen
In the talented hands of James McAvoy, making his directorial debut, those well-traveled, rise-and-fall tropes nevertheless make for an underdog dramatic comedy that proves hard to resist.
That Shelf
Rachel West
Maybe it's not so shite being Scottish - at least when you've got talent, charm, and a great story to tell. California Schemin' is a compelling underdog tale that is easy for audiences to embrace.
Screen Rant
Rachel LaBonte
James McAvoy goes behind the camera for his new movie California Schemin' and tells a fascinating and proudly Scottish story that's a blast to watch.
The Playlist
Gregory Ellwood
Ross demonstrates a depth of sensitivity as Gavin that's simply startling. Bottomley is no slouch either, but the movie essentially becomes Gavin's story, and you have to root for him even when he does some unthinkable things. Ross makes sure you do.
IndieWire
Kate Erbland
It's the oldest story in the book, but it's made all the more crushing in "California Schemin'" because Gavin and Billy are so very convinced they're the ones pulling one over on the brass.
Loud and Clear Reviews
Louis Roberts
McAvoy clearly knows this story inside out and directs his film with the deft balance of comedy and tragedy that such an unlikely true story deserves.
Next Best Picture
J. Don Birnam
Unfortunately, James McAvoy never decides what kind of story he wants to make, and the turbulent film that results ends up being difficult to swallow.
TheWrap
Matthew Creith
What starts as a comedy film based on a true story evolves into a tragic drama of broken brotherhood, convoluted business dealings, and tarnished reputations.
Awards Buzz
Abe Friedtanzer
Peppered with dramatic moments and confrontations, this is first and foremost a comedy, one that features two fantastic leads. McAvoy makes a seriously fun directorial debut with this film.
Watch California Schemin Videos
California Schemin (International Teaser Trailer)
California Schemin (International Teaser Trailer)
Trailer
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