I Came By – Netflix Review (5/5)

I CAME BY on Netflix is a new thriller from the award-winning writer and director Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow). This one has many surprises and changes the lead character several times. Get ready for a crazy ride. Read our full I Came By movie review here!

I CAME BY is a new Netflix thriller with an amazing cast and so many twists and turns. You will actually be following various lead characters. The focus simply switches from one to the next and it works remarkably well. Especially due to the one constant which is a source of pure dread and terror.

I had expectations for a strong movie since it’s from writer-director Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow), but it still managed to surprise me. You’ll want to avoid all spoilers and just check it out for yourself as soon as you can.

Continue reading our I Came By movie review below. The film is out on Netflix from August 31, 2022.

Perfect casting

Having the charming and kind-looking Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington) play the role of a former judge, who is now accused of terrible things, is perfect. Hugh Bonneville might have a kind face and British charm, but he can turn sinister in a heartbeat and it is terrifying when it happens.

Especially because he can switch back again, just as fast, and make you wonder if it’s just that British “stiff upper lip” or if he is absolutely psychotic.

George MacKay is another familiar face and I always tend to think of Marrowbone when I see him on screen in these thriller or horror movies. He also played one of the lead characters in 1917 and the very sweet Pride. As his best friend, we see Percelle Ascott (The Innocents) who plays a huge part in his life. And vice versa.

Also, we have Kelly Macdonald (Black Mirror) in a key role, where she gets to act with heart and passion. She plays a woman who works as a therapist with troubled young people. All while having her own very troubled 23-year-old son (George MacKay) living at home with her.

Finally, Marilyn Nnadebe plays a police detective who doesn’t give up as quickly as others but still has to play by the rules.

Delicious storytelling

For a while, I Came By is mostly a visually stunning drama and social commentary with something sinister lurking in the background. However, do not worry, that sinister background will come to the forefront before you know it. And there it will stay for the rest of the movie.

There is still lots of (important and relevant) social commentary of various kinds. But this is very much a thriller that takes a dark turn straight into brutal horror. You won’t see much direct violence. However, you will see the results of violence which is actually much stronger in this case.

But really, trust me, the less you know the better. It will shock and surprise you again and again. You might think you have it all figured out, but it is never simple with movies from Babak Anvari.

A strong ending

Oh yeah, and unlike with his movie Wounds, I Came By has an ending that should appeal to most viewers!

In other words, if you didn’t care for Wounds and hated that ending, then please don’t let that keep you from watching this one.

While it does tear its audience apart during the runtime, the ending is very definitive (to a point, anyway) and answers most questions.

Watch I Came By on Netflix now!

As already mentioned, this Netflix movie is written and directed by Babak Anvari and it’s only his third feature film. First came the award-winning Under the Shadow in 2016, then the Netflix movie Wounds in 2019, and now I Came By. Many people did not care for Wounds, but we enjoyed it here at Heaven of Horror. His latest film is entirely its own, though.

Also, he did co-write the story for this one with Namsi Khan who only had TV series writing credits prior to this feature film. Previously, Namsi Khan wrote for episodes of series such as His Dark Materials and Humans. Hopefully, we can look forward to more films from this duo, if this is their level of quality. Very impressive – and bold as hell, I might add.

This Netflix thriller has many surprises – and some predictable behavior from those in power – so you should get ready for a crazy ride. There is especially one moment in a scene with Hugh Bonneville that shook me to my core. Okay, several moments shook me, but only one truly startled me. You’ll know which, when it comes!

I Came By is out on Netflix globally from August 31, 2022.

Details

Director, Writer: Babak Anvari
Stars: Kelly Macdonald, George MacKay, Hugh Bonneville, Percelle Ascott, Varada Sethu