I Came By (2022)

Review Team

4/5

I Came By, directed by Babak Anvari, is a compelling exploration of rebellion and the dark underbelly of privilege. The film follows a graffiti artist whose acts of defiance against the wealthy elite lead him to uncover a chilling secret. The direction is taut, maintaining a sense of urgency through ... Show more >> I Came By, directed by Babak Anvari, is a compelling exploration of rebellion and the dark underbelly of privilege. The film follows a graffiti artist whose acts of defiance against the wealthy elite lead him to uncover a chilling secret. The direction is taut, maintaining a sense of urgency throughout as the protagonist, portrayed with conviction, grapples with the moral implications of his choices. The cinematography captures the stark contrast between the opulent homes of the elite and the gritty streets where the artist operates, enhancing the film's thematic depth. While it may not offer a traditional horror experience, the psychological tension is palpable, leaving viewers on edge. The performances are particularly noteworthy, with the lead delivering a nuanced portrayal that evokes both empathy and frustration. I Came By ultimately serves as a thought-provoking commentary on class disparity and the lengths one might go to challenge the status quo. Show less

Editor Team

3/5

I Came By is an interesting ride, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The premise of a graffiti artist taking on the elite is intriguing, and it starts off strong, pulling you into a world of rebellion and secrets. However, as the plot unfolds, it sometimes feels like it loses its way. The performanc ... Show more >> I Came By is an interesting ride, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The premise of a graffiti artist taking on the elite is intriguing, and it starts off strong, pulling you into a world of rebellion and secrets. However, as the plot unfolds, it sometimes feels like it loses its way. The performances are solid, but at times they feel overshadowed by the film’s pacing, which drags in certain areas. The film certainly has its moments of tension, but I expected more from the climax. It raises important questions about social justice and morality, which I appreciated, but the execution could have been sharper. Overall, while I Came By has potential and some gripping scenes, it leaves you wanting a bit more in terms of narrative coherence and impact. Show less