Toronto International Film Festival 2025: California Schemin’
Celebrating its world premiere at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival is Scottish screen legend James McAvoy’s directorial debut, California Schemin’.
Based on Gavin Bain’s autobiography Straight Outta Scotland, the film relates the journey of Dundee rap duo Silibil N’ Brains, who are quite literally laughed out of the building at an open audition for emerging hip hop talent in London. Instead of their art, they felt judged on their heritage. As a result, Gavin and Billy decide to adopt American accents and manage to swindle their way into a record deal. Lifelong friends, the two young men now find their relationship tested by the weight of their lies.
Coming hot on the heels of Kneecap (which featured McAvoy’s X-Men co-star Michael Fassbender), it’s almost impossible not to be tempted to compare the two films, as the success stories of the respective rap groups are so indelibly linked to a conversation about cultural identity. Truthfully, any parallels end at the thematic level – and perhaps one particular foot chase scene that resolves similarly in both films.
California Schemin’ does as its protagonists and borrows from America, by way of framing their experience in a Hollywood-esque rise-and-fall narrative. That is not to say the movie isn’t thoroughly Scottish, because its ingredients definitely are, McAvoy just used them in a staple recipe. Careful to keep viewers amiable towards his characters, he highlights their playfulness, child-like wonder and cheekiness rather than leaning towards the more snotty, antagonistic stance associated with this particular genre of music.
Actors Séamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley (How to Have Sex) perfectly encapsulate the tone of innocent mischief and audacious dreams that drive this deception, their frustration with the walls designed to keep them out, and the ensuing escalation looming over their heads. The duo bounce off each other with ease, drawing up a genuine chemistry that also expands to the pair’s own “Yoko Ono” Mary Boyd, played by Lucy Halliday.
California Schemin’ is an inspiring tale of breaking barriers by any means necessary. Its creative choices may play it a little too safe to be able to reveal a discernible signature in McAvoy’s directorial voice, but he succeeds in assembling an energy in which the fight for respect is louder than the music.
Selina Sondermann
California Schemin’ does not have a release date yet.
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