I Came By (2022)

I Came By is a 2022 British neo-noir thriller directed by Babak Anvari. The film stars George MacKay, Percelle Ascott, Kelly Macdonald, and Hugh Bonneville. It follows the story of rebellious graffiti artists who target the homes of wealthy elites with their trademark message “I Came By.” However, what begins as an act of defiance soon unravels into a chilling mystery when they uncover a sinister secret in the home of a powerful retired judge.

The movie blends elements of social commentary, suspense, and psychological terror, tackling issues of class inequality, corruption, and the misuse of power in society.

Plot of I Came By

Toby (George MacKay) and Jay (Percelle Ascott) are young graffiti artists who use their talents to break into the homes of wealthy individuals and leave their mark with the statement “I Came By.” Their activism is driven by the belief that the privileged should not remain unchallenged in a system riddled with inequality.

Jay eventually steps away from their rebellious actions after becoming a father, but Toby continues his crusade. One day, he targets the home of former High Court judge Sir Hector Blake (Hugh Bonneville), known publicly for his charitable work and respected standing. However, Toby discovers something horrifying hidden within Blake’s home—evidence of a dark and violent secret.

As Toby tries to expose the truth, he mysteriously disappears, leaving his mother, Lizzie (Kelly Macdonald), to search for him. The tension escalates as the cat-and-mouse game between the judge and those trying to uncover his crimes becomes deadly. Blake’s charming public persona hides his terrifying reality, and the film spirals into a gripping tale of survival, morality, and justice.

Review

I Came By received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.

• Strengths:

  • Hugh Bonneville’s chilling performance was widely praised, as he stepped away from his usual roles to portray a deeply sinister antagonist.

  • The film’s blend of social commentary and suspense resonated with many viewers, particularly in its critique of power, privilege, and corruption.

  • The neo-noir visual style and unsettling atmosphere added to the tension.

• Weaknesses:

  • Some critics felt the story was uneven, with pacing issues and underdeveloped characters beyond the central antagonist.

  • The narrative twists, while engaging, were seen by some as predictable.

Overall, the film works best as a psychological thriller with strong performances and an unsettling message about society’s darker undercurrents.

Awards

As of now, I Came By has not won any major awards. However, it has been noted for its strong performances and daring genre shift for Hugh Bonneville. The film gained recognition primarily for its Netflix release and was frequently discussed for its dark take on justice and privilege.

Popularity of I Came By

Upon release on Netflix in August 2022, I Came By quickly climbed into the platform’s Top 10 charts in several countries. Its blend of suspense and social commentary attracted global attention, especially since Netflix thrillers tend to perform well with audiences looking for gripping, dark content.

The movie has since built a cult following for its themes of rebellion, morality, and corruption, as well as for Bonneville’s transformation into one of the most memorable villains of recent British cinema.

I Came By (2022) is a tense neo-noir thriller that combines gripping suspense with biting social critique. With Hugh Bonneville delivering a career-defining performance and a storyline that keeps viewers on edge, the film stands as one of Netflix’s most unsettling thrillers of the year. While not perfect, it successfully leaves audiences questioning the systems of privilege and justice in society.