Inspired by the real-life saga of Scottish rap duo Silibil N’ Brains, a.k.a. Gavin Bain (Séamus McLean Ross) and Billy Boyd (Samuel Bottomley), California Schemin’ follows two aspiring Scottish MCs who devise an audacious scheme to achieve their dream of a record deal, by posing as Californian hip hop artists. As fame beckons and the lies pile up, their friendship is put to the test.

McAvoy directs (and co-stars) with swagger and real affection for his characters, capturing both the comedy and melancholy of a seemingly harmless con that spirals into something potentially darker. With knockout performances and a killer soundtrack featuring original music by Silibil N’ Brains, California Schemin’ is a fast-paced, funny, and poignant look at friendship, public personas, and the double-edged sword of ambition.