The opening shot of I Came By lingers on a graffiti tag—”I CAME BY”—scrawled in stark white across a dark wall, a declaration that sets the tone for Babak Anvari’s 2022 crime thriller. This isn’t just a film about vandalism; it’s a story of systemic oppression and the desperate acts it breeds.

Anvari, known for his atmospheric horror Under the Shadow, shifts gears here to social commentary, crafting a narrative that feels both timely and timeless. The film follows Toby Nealey (George MacKay), a young graffiti artist who breaks into the homes of the wealthy elite, leaving behind his signature tag. When he stumbles upon a horrifying secret in the home of retired High Court Judge Sir Hector Blake (Hugh Bonneville), the story spirals into a tale of murder, cover-ups, and revenge.

What works best about I Came By is its unflinching portrayal of class disparity and the corrupting influence of power. Anvari doesn’t shy away from the uglier aspects of society, and this raw honesty gives the film a palpable sense of urgency. The stark contrast between Toby’s working-class background and Blake’s affluent lifestyle is not just a backdrop but a driving force behind the narrative.

Hugh Bonneville’s performance as Blake is particularly chilling. He embodies the character’s veneer of respectability with a cold precision, making his eventual descent into brutality all the more unsettling. The scene where Blake calmly cremates Toby’s body in his pottery studio is a masterclass in tension, with Bonneville’s measured delivery amplifying the horror. His portrayal of Blake as a man who believes himself above the law adds a layer of complexity to the character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.

George MacKay’s performance as Toby is equally compelling. He captures the rebellious spirit and idealism of his character with a raw energy that makes Toby’s actions feel authentic. The scene where Toby discovers the imprisoned man in Blake’s basement is a standout moment, with MacKay’s wide-eyed shock and disbelief conveying the gravity of the situation without a single word.

The film’s pacing and structure are also noteworthy. Anvari doesn’t rush the narrative; instead, he allows each twist to breathe, building an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after each reveal. The decision to focus on Toby’s mother Lizzie (Kelly Macdonald) in the latter half is a bold one, shifting the perspective from a rebellious youth to a grieving parent. Macdonald delivers a powerful performance, her portrayal of Lizzie’s desperation and rage adding emotional depth to the story. The scene where she confronts Blake, her voice trembling with suppressed fury, is a testament to Macdonald’s acting prowess.

However, I Came By isn’t without its flaws. The film’s reliance on coincidence stretches credulity at times, particularly in the way Jay (Percelle Ascott) stumbles upon Blake’s crimes. While the narrative structure is engaging, it occasionally feels disjointed, with some plot points resolving a bit too neatly.

Moreover, the film’s exploration of its themes could be more nuanced. The portrayal of Toby as a politically minded artist is compelling, but his character arc is somewhat truncated. Similarly, Jay’s transformation from a reluctant accomplice to a vengeful avenger feels rushed, lacking the gradual escalation that would make his actions more impactful.

The film also struggles with its tonal balance. While the social commentary is sharp and timely, the thriller elements sometimes feel tacked on, as if Anvari is trying to juggle too many genres at once. The shift from a character-driven drama to a full-blown revenge tale is jarring, and the film would have benefited from a more cohesive narrative structure.

That being said, I Came By is a film that demands attention. Its unvarnished look at class struggle and corruption is timely, and Anvari’s direction ensures that even its weaker moments are visually engaging. The cinematography is stark and atmospheric, with a color palette that accentuates the film’s themes of darkness and despair.

In terms of genre fit, I Came By straddles the line between crime drama and thriller, but it doesn’t fully commit to either. The film’s strengths lie in its social commentary and character development, but these elements are sometimes overshadowed by the thriller tropes that dominate the latter half of the narrative.

Ultimately, I Came By is a film that will resonate with viewers who appreciate socially conscious cinema. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s one that takes risks and tackles important issues head-on.