Watch I Came By

I Came By is a British thriller film directed by Babak Anvari that premiered in 2022. The movie follows the lives of two rebellious street artists in London who navigate their way through social activism and a desire to leave a mark on the homes of the city's elite. Their acts of rebellion soon turn into a dangerous game when they stumble upon a dark secret that plunges them into a world of unexpected peril and suspense.

The film's lead characters are young graffiti artists Jay played by Antonio Aakeel, and Toby portrayed by Percelle Ascott. Jay is the more daring of the duo, coming across as impulsive and idealistic, driven by a profound sense of injustice and the aim to challenge the system. Toby, on the other hand, is more sensible and cautious, yet equally committed to their cause. His life takes an interesting turn when he becomes a father, and his responsibilities start to clash with his activist path.

The pair are renowned for their signature tag "I Came By" which they spray across the properties of wealthy and influential figures. This tagline is a symbol of their disdain for the upper class and their untouchable societal standing. Their graffiti acts as a conspicuous mark of rebellion and serves to upend the privacy and security of the wealthy members of society they target. However, the pair's urban adventures escalate into a much more dangerous game when they accidentally uncover a secretive and deeply disturbing underground world.

As Toby is drawn away by his new familial priorities, Jay continues the graffiti campaign solo. During one of his usual break-ins, meant to be another routine tagging mission, Jay uncovers much more than he bargained for in the house of a prominent judge, played by a recognisable face (whose name shall not be disclosed in an effort to maintain a narrative devoid of spoilers). This discovery sets off a chain of events that rattles the foundations of their lives.

What starts off as a gritty story of subversive street art swiftly transforms into an intense thriller. The film weaves a narrative that explores themes of corruption, privilege, and the darkness that can lurk in the most surprising places. Characters are pushed to their limits and forced to confront the consequences of their actions, both intended and unintended. As secrets begin to surface, the tension ramps up, pulling the characters—and the audience—into a maelstrom of suspense.

Alicia Ambrose-Bayly joins the cast in a role that brings another layer to the story, contributing to its complex landscape of moral ambiguity. The performances are dynamic and compelling, diving deep into the psyches of the characters, who must grapple with their demons and the murky reality that surrounds them.

Anvari, known for his previous horror works, merges his distinctive style with this socially conscious thriller to create a film that is edgy, provocative, and at times, deeply unsettling. The urban landscape of London plays a vital role in I Came By, serving as the perfect backdrop for the film's fusion of street culture and sinister discovery. The cinematography captures the gritty essence of the city and the characters' place within it, while also highlighting the stark contrasts between the haves and the have-nots.

The score and soundscape further enhance the film's atmosphere, punctuating the more tense moments with a haunting resonance, while also reflecting the film’s moodier, contemplative sequences. The result is an immersive experience that keeps viewers on their toes, intrigued by the depth of the narrative and invested in the fate of the characters.

In its essence, I Came By is a film that seeks to provoke thought and challenge viewers' perceptions of justice and morality. It forces us to question how much we know about the people who hold positions of power and influence in society and to confront the unsettling thought that even within the most polished and pristine environments, darkness can exist. Where does the line between activism and criminality lie, and what happens when those who aim to expose the truth become targets themselves?

Viewers of I Came By should prepare themselves for an adrenaline-fueled journey, one that delves deep into the heart of London's underground and brings to light the socio-political issues of our time, all wrapped up in a thrilling package of mystery and suspense.

I Came By is a 2022 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 57.