Shadows on the Wall | California Schemin'

California Schemin’

dir James McAvoy
scr Elaine Gracie, Archie Thomson
prd Paul Aniello, Simon Kay, Michael Mendelsohn, Danny Page
with Seamus McLean Ross, Samuel Bottomley, Lucy Halliday, Rebekah Murrell, James McAvoy, James Corden, Jennifer Winn, Amber Anderson, Sonny Poon Tip, John Scougall, Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong, David Witts
release UK 10.Apr.26,
US Apr.26 mff
25/UK 1h41

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Based on a jaw-dropping true story, this raucously entertaining film follows two likeable young men from Scotland who lie to break into the music business. For his directing debut, James McAvoy fills the screen with joyful exuberance while also exploring darker dramatic corners. So while we laugh at the antics, we are also taking note of more serious comments on prejudice and identity that run through the narrative.

In 2003 Dundee, Gavin (Ross) and best pal Billy (Bottomley) work in a call centre with Billy's girlfriend Mary (Halliday). But in their free time, Gavin and Billy are rap performers Silibil N' Brains. When London record execs dismiss them due to their Scottish accents, they reinvent themselves as skater dudes from California. This time, manager Tessa (Murrell) introduces them to a top label boss (McAvoy), and they begin recording music while performing on MTV and in major venues. Their plan is to expose the industry's bigotry, but they need to pick the right moment.

Bristling with musical energy, the film rockets through its narrative with a pace reminiscent of Trainspotting, which gets several visual callouts. These young men are determined to make it big, and a taste of success raises the usual allure of alcohol, drugs and sex. But the most resonant thing here is the way they begin to lose their sense of self, which threatens their tight bond. And it's not going to be easy to get back on track.

Hugely engaging, Ross and Bottomley bring nuance and charm to colourful roles. So it's easy to root for Gavin and Billy through various ups and downs, including problems they create. Their physicality in musical performances is infectious, and the film is shot and edited to put us right on-stage with them. Halliday has her own strong moments as the superbly grounded Mary. Murrell shines as the enthusiastic Tessa. And both McAvoy and Corden have some fun as slippery executives.

This is a story about two guys who begin to believe the myth they created about themselves, simply because everyone else believes it too. It's achingly clear that they will come crashing to earth at some point, and the film doesn't hedge away from the extremely grim turns in the tale. In the end, this is a surprisingly moving portrait of a friendship, and also a celebration of raw talent wherever it may emerge. So even if corporate bosses try to crush a dream, there's always a spark of hope.

themes, language, violence 27.Jan.26

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