‘I Swear’ tells a true story of Tourette’s syndrome and someone hoping to make a change

by

The British Academy Film Awards saw a major surprise in February when Robert Aramayo, a rising English actor known for his role in “I Swear,” won Best Actor. He beat out established stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, and Jesse Plemons. While Aramayo’s performance as real-life Tourette’s syndrome advocate John Davidson is incredibly impressive, the award ceremony itself highlighted just how important the film is today.

At the BAFTAs, Davidson unexpectedly blurted out several offensive terms, including a racial slur. Although BAFTA and the BBC didn’t handle the situation well – they censored a message supporting Palestine but not the slur itself – the strong reaction to the incident highlights the continued importance of Davidson’s work raising awareness about his condition and educating others.

Kirk Jones was deeply moved by a 1989 BBC documentary called “John’s Not Mad,” which featured teenager John Davidson and his experience with Tourette’s syndrome, along with how his family and community coped with it. Years later, when looking for a new movie idea, Jones decided to make a film about Davidson’s life. He personally financed the project, using his own home as collateral, and maintained complete creative control over the story and casting without any interference from outside investors.

A movie about Tourette’s syndrome is bound to include a lot of swearing, and this film’s title makes that clear. It also cleverly references the oath taken in court, which is particularly challenging for the main character, John, who’s on trial for a bar fight. He repeatedly blurts out insults during the trial, but this is the first time the film shows John and those supporting him making real progress in understanding his condition.

The beginning of “I Swear” is heartbreaking. It shows 14-year-old John (played by Scott Ellis Watson) first developing uncontrollable tics in 1983 Galashiels, Scotland. At the time, these movements and outbursts are mistaken for bad behavior or typical teenage rebellion, and he’s punished accordingly. This leads to John being isolated, tormented by bullies, and facing violence, ultimately causing his family to crumble.

Movies

For Subscribers

The 27 best movie theaters in Los Angeles

We’ve compiled a list of 27 fantastic movie theaters in Los Angeles, including iconic spots like the TCL Chinese and New Beverly, popular chains like Alamo Drafthouse, and the best AMC location in Burbank.

The film offers a welcome change of pace when it jumps forward thirteen years. We see John (Aramayo) and his mother (Shirley Henderson), now divorced, have adjusted to his illness, though he’s struggling – unemployed, reliant on medication, and a source of worry. His mother appreciates the respite when he spends an afternoon with his longtime friend, Murray (Francesco Piacentini-Smith), a day that ultimately proves pivotal.

John’s mother, Dottie (played by Maxine Peake), is a mental health nurse who accepts him without criticism. She only gently corrects him once, telling him to stop apologizing so much. Dottie helps John get back on his feet by finding him a job at a community center with a very supportive boss, Tommy (Peter Mullan), and consistently stands by his side, even when he faces hostility from others and authorities.

John is physically attacked with a crowbar and taken advantage of by people in his community, ultimately leading to his arrest – all because others don’t understand his Tourette’s syndrome. His involuntary movements aren’t intentional misbehavior, but uncontrollable tics. Living with Tourette’s is incredibly draining, painful, and causes constant anxiety, shaping John’s entire public life. A particularly moving scene in the film is when he’s able to simply walk peacefully through a library, something he rarely gets to experience.

“I Swear” feels like the perfect Sony Pictures Classics film. It’s a unique true story set in Britain, balancing humor and sadness before ultimately offering a hopeful and heartwarming message. The director focuses on strong performances rather than flashy filmmaking. While some parts of the story and characters could be developed further, the film successfully captures the emotional core of a man’s 40-year life and his commitment to improving things for those who come after him.

“I Swear” is a courageous and heartfelt film. Beyond being an important part of John’s work as an advocate, it’s also genuinely touching and enjoyable to watch. The film explores the importance of accepting those who are different from us, and suggests that even awkward situations, like the one at the BAFTAs, can be opportunities for learning and building understanding.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

Read More

2026-04-25 01:31