I Swear

I Swear is a British biographical comedy‑drama that hit the UK screens on 10 October 2025. The film follows the real‑life journey of John Davidson, a Scottish man who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at 15 and has spent his life turning the challenges of the condition into a story of resilience and hope. It’s based on the 1989 television documentary John’s Not Mad and brings John’s story to the big screen with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.

The story starts in the 1980s with a young John in Galashiels, Scotland, and follows him through the ups and downs of adolescence, family struggles, and the search for a place where he can belong. As he grows into adulthood, John encounters a series of obstacles—school, work, and legal troubles—yet he also finds unexpected allies and support that help him discover his purpose. The film shows how kindness and understanding can transform a life that feels full of tics and swearing into one of purpose and community service. It ends with a real‑life clip of John Davidson himself, underscoring the film’s commitment to raising awareness about Tourette’s.

Kirk Jones directs, writes, and produces the film, and he chose Robert Aramayo to play John without an audition, saying he knew Aramayo was right for the part from the start. Aramayo spent three months in Galashiels learning about John’s life and even had Zoom calls with other people who have Tourette’s. The supporting cast includes Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, Peter Mullan, and a debut performance by Scott Ellis Watson as young John. Filming wrapped in Glasgow in August 2024, with locations like Strathblane Church and the Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness.

Critics have been overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, 97 % of 129 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.0/10, and Metacritic gives it a 70/100. The film earned five BAFTA nominations and won two, including Best Actor for Aramayo. Variety called his performance “flawless,” while The Guardian praised the film as “funny, fierce and full of heart.” The film’s tone balances earnestness with subtle humor, avoiding sentimentality while still delivering an uplifting story.

If you enjoy biopics that blend comedy and drama, or if you’re curious about Tourette syndrome and how people navigate life with it, I Swear will likely resonate with you. Fans of heartfelt, character‑driven stories will find plenty to appreciate. On the flip side, if you prefer pure comedy or light‑hearted fare that doesn’t tackle real‑world challenges, this film’s realistic portrayal might feel a bit heavy. Either way, it’s a compelling look at how kindness and perseverance can change a life.