Schemers
Schemers

Movie spotlight

Schemers

2020
Movie
91 min
English

Set in late-1970s Dundee, Schemers is based on writer-producer David McLean’s early years in the music business. After a run in with a local gangster, a fledgling promoter and his two friends raise their ambitions to booking major bands in order to escape their debt.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Ben CostelloGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Set in 1980s Dundee, Scotland, Schemers follows Davey, a young man with ambitions beyond his working-class background. He gets involved in the dubious world of importing and selling T-shirts and homemade fireworks, navigating a landscape of petty crime, questionable deals, and friendships tested by the pursuit of quick cash. The film captures the era's distinctive fashion, music, and social dynamics as Davey and his friends try to strike it rich.

Critical Reception

Schemers was generally well-received by critics and audiences, particularly for its nostalgic portrayal of 1980s Scotland and its humorous, albeit gritty, depiction of a unique subculture. Its authentic dialogue and energetic performances were often highlighted as strengths, though some critics noted its somewhat derivative plot elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic portrayal of 1980s Dundee and its working-class characters.

  • Appreciated for its humor and energetic, albeit somewhat unoriginal, plot.

  • Noted for its strong sense of time and place, capturing the era's atmosphere.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's nostalgic appeal and its accurate depiction of the era and location. Many found the characters relatable and the humor effective, though some wished for a more original story.

Fun Fact

The film's script was inspired by the real-life experiences of the director's father and his friends growing up in Dundee during the 1980s.

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