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I Came By

I Came By

2022110 minRMidcredits score: 42nd percentile of all films
Director
Babak Anvari
Starring
Hugh Bonneville, Kelly Macdonald, George MacKay, Percelle Ascott

A rebellious young graffiti artist, who targets the homes of the wealthy elite, discovers a shocking secret that leads him on a journey endangering himself and those closest to him.

Where to watch

Where can I watch I Came By?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists I Came By streaming on Netflix.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about I Came By?

I Came By earns 2 badges, led by Award Winner and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is I Came By worth watching?

I Came By's Midcredits score is the 42nd percentile of all films, from 107K ratings across 6 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

42nd percentile

Better received than 42% of films

77th percentile among Thriller43rd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)40th
Approval (how many liked it)44th

59 /100

40th percentile of all films

76th percentile among Thriller42nd percentile among 2020s

Critics 57 · Audience 59

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

79th percentile among Thriller45th percentile among 2020s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

Critics 69% · Audience 49%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 0 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

97th percentile

107K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Thriller97th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 10% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

This is a dark, tense thriller driven by Hugh Bonneville's sinister performance as a well-connected judge hiding a secret basement dungeon.

Fans praised

  • Hugh Bonneville's chilling against-type performance
  • Unpredictable twists and refreshing originality
  • Strong emotional anchor through Kelly Macdonald's maternal role

Detractors panned

  • Characters make inexplicably stupid decisions
  • Illogical police work and gaping plot holes
  • Rushed, unsatisfying ending

What stands out

Acting78

Bonneville terrifying as judge; Macdonald solid as desperate mother; MacKay believable as rebellious son

Atmosphere70

Dark, brooding tone of London's class divide and hidden evil

TensionDivisive65

Effective suspense during break-ins but undermined by illogical escapes

OriginalityDivisive55

Fresh premise of graffiti-vigilantes versus a judge, but derivative formula

Pacing50

Drags in second half; confusing time jumps

EndingDivisive45

Abrupt and anticlimactic; lack of catharsis despite justice served

CharactersDivisive42

Victims are unlikable or frustratingly naive; Judge is one-dimensionally evil

Plot and storyDivisive40

Illogical character decisions and gaping police procedural holes

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is I Came By like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its grim, socially-conscious thriller premise entirely straight, holding its characters' desperation and fear at face value.
The rideThe film sustains tension and dread, escalating to a heavy, violent climax in the later stretch.
StructureEvents unfold in straightforward chronological order as the investigation and its aftermath play out across several character perspectives.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingInfuriating · 4% of films: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.
Why it leaves you this wayThe story's parade of preventable tragedies and systematic injustice leaves a deep sense of outrage and unease long after the credits.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Quest underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA young graffiti artist discovers a powerful predator hiding behind a respectable public face, and the story becomes a hunt to expose the truth and save a victim—but the monster's institutional connections keep thwarting justice.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfClassPower
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Class · 3% of filmsJustice · 13% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how wealth and social status protect privilege, allowing a powerful predator to operate with impunity against those without institutional leverage.
StanceThe film questions the morality of vigilante justice and the consequences of class resentment without taking a clear side.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
AmbientElectronicSupportive music · original score · Isobel Waller-Bridge
SettingLondon's urban working-class neighborhoods and wealthy private estates
MusicThe score uses subtle ambient and electronic textures to heighten suspense.

Content guide

Is I Came By okay for kids?

R

I Came By is rated R. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (58/100), sexual content at mild (19/100), language at moderate (56/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (45/100) and frightening material at intense (64/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • UK15
  • France16
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • RO18
  • SingaporeM18
  • Türkiye16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 51% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 33%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 59%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does I Came By have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in I Came By?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Hugh Bonneville
as Hector Blake
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kelly Macdonald
as Lizzie Nealey
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
George MacKay
as Toby Nealey
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Percelle Ascott
as Jameel 'Jay' Agassi
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Varada Sethu
as Naserine 'Naz' Raheem
Franc Ashman
as DS Ella Lloyd
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Yazdan Qafouri
as Omid
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Antonio Aakeel
as Faisal
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Anthony Calf
as Superintendent William Roy
Paddy Wallace
as CID Officer Jeff
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like I Came By?

Movies like I Came By include Hallow Road (2025), Badla (2019) and Outlaw (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films set in London, and several are revenge thrillers.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with I Came By?

2.1K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: revenge thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.