I Came By

Director and co-writer Babak Anvri’s (Under the Shadow) I Came By is one of those films that catch you by surprise. A sudden change of gears at the midway point sends the plot in an exhilarating and unexpected new direction as the ensemble cast of characters find themselves in an increasingly hopeless situation. While attempts at social commentary don’t resonate as loudly as intended, a stellar performance from Hugh Bonneville in a villainous role is more than enough reason to watch this film.

It opens with graffiti artists Toby (George MacKay) and Jay (Percelle Ascott) planning to tag the home of an affluent retired lawyer (Bonneville). The pair see themselves as activists rebelling against the elite. But when Jay abandons the job to support his budding family, Toby takes on the job alone. However, a shocking discovery in the lawyer’s home leaves him reeling. To divulge any more about where things go from here would spoil the fun; a large part of the entertainment comes from the many unexpected twists and turns that the script takes as it edges closer to its final surprises, the suspense building as it goes.

It’s in its thematic substance that this thriller falls short. Anvri and co-writer Namsi Khan attempt to draw attention to the power relationships between the elite and working classes and where this division becomes blurry. Toby, for example, has dedicated his youth to protesting authority, but comes from a wealthy home and, as his mother (Kelly Macdonald) tells him, has failed at everything he’s tried, unable to keep a job for more than a week. The writers likewise acknowledge immigration and ask when social actions become meaningful, though they’re unable to convincingly tie these ideas together so that they add substantial weight to the ongoing narrative.

Instead, the flick is carried by an incredible performance by Bonneville in a role that goes against his regular casting. Here, his familiar, friendly demeanor gives his character an unshakeable, sinister presence. Macdonald, too, is a noteworthy addition to the cast. Her sweet and well-meaning nature is the emotional anchor to the escalating terror, which viewers will quickly become enamoured with.

I Came By may not be as intellectually stimulating as the writers perhaps hoped for. However, a gripping narrative and selection of strong central performances will mean audiences will be glad they stopped by to watch this Netflix film.

Andrew Murray

I Came By is released in select cinemas on 19^th August 2022 and on Netflix from 31^st August 2022.

Watch the trailer for I Came By here: