Sinister Cat-and-Mouse Game: Must-Watch Netflix Thriller
Despite Netflix’s mixed track record with thrillers in recent years, the streaming giant delivered a gripping cat-and-mouse chase in 2022 that stands out. This film features three mischievous cats and a sharply dressed mouse harboring dark secrets locked away in its basement. Director Babak Anvari, known for his raw storytelling in Under the Shadows and the unsettling Wounds, presents a tense and unpredictable narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. I Came By effectively explores the chilling world of a serial killer, embodied by the seemingly respectable judge, Hector Blake, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville. While the film starts with the familiar theme of hidden truths behind closed doors, it swiftly transitions into a captivating and thought-provoking social commentary on the dark realities of how the powerful evade justice.
Unpredictable Twists and Tension in ‘I Came By’
I Came By initiates from the perspective of Toby (George MacKay, recognized for his role in 1917), a socially aware graffiti artist who leaves his signature tag “I Came By” on the pristine walls of affluent households. This act serves as a reminder to the wealthy that they remain vulnerable to the socioeconomic struggles lurking outside their gated communities, ironically making these locations infamous in the media. The narrative follows Toby’s quest to persuade his partner, Jay (Percelle Ascott), to undertake one last mission targeting Hector Blake, a judge known for his philanthropic efforts towards immigrants but also criticized by Toby for his possession of illegal ivory antiques. However, Jay, soon to be a father, is determined to abandon this risky escapade, viewing Hector’s ivory collection as insufficiently horrific to justify jeopardizing their lives. Consequently, Toby embarks on the mission alone, only to uncover a horrifying secret hidden within Hector’s mansion.
At this juncture, the film lulls audiences into a familiar rhythm, reminiscent of the unexpected turns seen in films like Don’t Breathe. We swiftly recognize Hector as a formidable opponent, yet the shocking twist at the end of the first act catches us off guard. The storyline centers on Toby, allowing viewers to empathize with his sometimes misguided quest for social justice and his complicated relationship with his mother, Lizzie (Kelly MacDonald). When Toby discovers a captive individual bound and bruised in Blake’s basement, returning to rescue him on another occasion, viewers are left wondering how the film can still unfold, as we realize we are barely halfway through. I Came By subverts our expectations, abruptly ending Toby’s life with a brutal blow to the head. The plot continues to twist and turn, exploring uncharted territories and ruthlessly determining who lives and who dies, with Hector looming ominously, his murderous intentions masked by his charitable demeanor.
Chilling Realism Elevates Tension in ‘I Came By’
While the storyline may stretch believability at times, it is anchored by undercurrents of chilling realism that resonate deeply. Interspersed with moments of calculated violence are slower, almost mundane scenes depicting the reactions of loved ones. As Toby’s disappearance becomes apparent, Lizzie frantically reaches out to Jay, desperate to find her son, ultimately resorting to a visit to the police station. MacDonald delivers a poignant and heartfelt performance, capturing her frustration at being dismissed and her deep concern for Toby’s safety. Despite their typical teenage-mother dynamic, there’s a haunting quality in watching Lizzie uncover secret compartments in her son’s belongings, forcing her to confront the unsettling possibility that she never truly understood him.
Upon reaching the police station, though the depicted events may not reflect reality, they evoke a timeless narrative of public disillusionment with law enforcement. The police’s initial indifference to Lizzie’s pleas is painfully familiar; her concerns are noted but ultimately dismissed with hollow reassurances. While detective Ella (Franc Ashman) connects Lizzie’s missing person report to a peculiar 911 call from Hector’s residence, the police’s lack of genuine compassion or hope for Lizzie stands out starkly. This treatment propels Lizzie into conducting her own investigation, driven by a mother’s resolve and desperation, illustrating how a legacy of social injustice combined with callous treatment can lead individuals to operate outside the law, often with tragic outcomes.
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When detective Ella begins her thorough investigation of Hector’s mansion, she discovers a shocking lack of evidence regarding abduction or murder, despite finding secret compartments. When she attempts to arrest Hector based on these hidden areas and the mounting accusations, a quick phone call to one of his privileged acquaintances results in his immediate release. The film brilliantly portrays how Hector’s foresight in sanitizing and erasing all traces of his crimes, coupled with his ability to leverage his wealth for a quick escape from justice, paints a disturbing picture of privilege in action. It serves as a hyperbolic representation of how individuals in power can evade the law, even when the public’s gaze is fixed upon them. The film’s critique is further amplified by the irony that Hector’s charitable work focuses on immigrants, yet his victims are predominantly from that very demographic, highlighting the hypocrisy often seen in elite circles. This tension between a realistic police investigation and the dramatic portrayal of political and social power dynamics resonates with contemporary issues.
Hugh Bonneville’s Terrifying Transformation in ‘I Came By’
Bonneville’s performance is nothing short of remarkable, skillfully transitioning from charming to chilling. His portrayal of Hector Blake feels particularly fitting for someone previously known for his role in the period drama Downton Abbey, where he played Robert Crawley. Although Robert was a fiercely protective patriarch, Hector embodies a twisted version of that protectiveness, safeguarding his dark secrets at all costs. Hector represents the elite, exploiting his position for personal gain and reflecting the traditional image of the wealthy who manipulate their resources for nefarious purposes. Beneath Bonneville’s stately exterior lies a malevolent character, which he masterfully brings to life through his performance.
Every interaction Hector has is unsettling; he appears achingly normal, making it challenging to reconcile his ordinary demeanor with his horrific deeds. From news segments showcasing his charismatic smile and philanthropic rhetoric to his disarming conversations with law enforcement, Hector’s charm is disconcerting. His duplicitous nature is particularly evident in a monologue where he ensnares another asylum seeker; what begins as a nostalgic tale about his father morphs into a chilling narrative filled with bitter rage and sadism. This unsettling transformation highlights the inherent duality of his character, as his charming facade is undercut by his sinister intentions.
While Bonneville’s captivating performance may initially overshadow the supporting cast, it ultimately enhances the film’s exploration of social dynamics. In stark contrast to Hector, Toby emerges as a naive figure, driven by a simplistic desire for social justice that veils his insecurities. This dynamic amplifies Toby’s vulnerability, revealing how his attempts to expose the elite’s vulnerabilities fail to grasp the depth of their power. Toby’s graffiti tags, intended as political statements, come to symbolize hollow gestures against the ingrained societal structures that the elite maintain. With Hector’s ominous presence overshadowing the narrative, the film paints a bleak picture of the futility of attempting to challenge entrenched social inequalities.
‘I Came By’ Illuminates the Realities of Social Injustice
Beyond Bonneville’s standout performance, I Came By distinguishes itself with its fluctuating points of view. Each character is manipulated and ultimately replaced by Hector, stripping away the comfort of having a central “hero” or “chosen one.” This narrative choice reflects the harsh truth of how many serial killers evade capture for extended periods. Characters in I Came By become disposable, yet their stories bring us closer to Hector’s inevitable downfall, only for them to fall victim to his machinations. This chess-like quality amplifies the film’s tension, as strategies unfold, and characters sacrifice themselves in the ongoing war against Hector. The next character steps in to challenge the culpable judge, striving to achieve their goals until they face their unexpected demise, unaware of their fate.
The film’s structure underscores the unsettling reality that Hector remains unscathed for so long, primarily due to his abundant resources and his readiness to cross ethical boundaries without facing repercussions. This aspect of realism resonates deeply, as it avoids simplistic narrative conventions of “punishment” or “reward” for behaviors. Instead, it presents a stark picture of how unfair advantages, often beyond individual control, dictate the outcomes of conflicts. Hector’s wealth, home advantage, and contempt for human life allow him to operate with a sense of impunity, systematically eliminating his insignificant adversaries with chilling ease. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the exploitation of the vulnerable, illustrating how they are rendered expendable within a larger, oppressive system controlled by figures like Hector.
Throughout this deliberately paced film, the specter of social injustice looms large. The violent outbursts and escalating tension build an atmosphere where even the most determined efforts to hunt down the predator seem futile against the fortified stronghold of wealth that surrounds him. As the narrative progresses, director Anvari ultimately rewards viewers’ patience with a cathartic final act. However, in light of the lives lost, we are left pondering a profound question: who truly emerges victorious in this grim tale? Is the pursuit of justice worth the sacrifices made along the way? In this way, I Came By intricately weaves realism and unpredictability to craft a compelling narrative that critiques the insidious nature of privilege as a shield against accountability.
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