StudioCanal’s I Swear, written, directed and produced by Kirk Jones, and based on the true life of John Davidson, glows with passion, pain, humour, and overarching empathy. Robert Aramayo, in particular, delivers a star-defining performance as the inspiring John Davidson in a film that delicately portrays the cross-generational story from Davidson’s diagnosis with Tourette syndrome to his current role as a campaigner and educator in the field, having received an MBE in 2019.
Aramayo isn’t the only star that shines in this moving and grounded biopic. Scott Ellis Watson delivers a promising, captivating portrayal of young Davidson’s adolescent experience with Tourette’s. Maxine Peake plays Dottie with true conviction and a clear love for this story. She delivers each line—and every subtle eyebrow scrunch or raise—masterfully, and will be sure to cause more than one audience member to shed a tear.
Happy Valley’s Shirley Henderson is convincingly heartbreaking as Heather, John’s troubled mother, throughout, as she embarks on her own emotional journey. She portrays a deeply flawed character, plagued by her own inner conflict, grief, and guilt—never veering into caricature.
Aramayo, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Behind Her Eyes, is truly brilliant in what should be a career-defining performance. He prepared for the role for months, working directly with Davidson, while Jones developed the film among the Galashiels community, collaborating with Tourette’s charities and support groups such as Tourette Scotland and the national organisation, Tourette Action. The film’s development was supported heavily by Davidson himself and the communities he works with—extra authenticity added by many supporting and background characters having Tourette’s themselves.
The film explores several distinct periods of Davidson’s life and leaves no emotion untouched. The pain and trauma of Davidson’s school years and young adulthood are not undermined by the film’s comedic, heartfelt core. I Swear ends up touching on so much more than Davidson’s experience with Tourette’s, broadening its emotional and social impact. The supporting cast are all outstanding, with Francesco Piacentini-Smith a standout newcomer in his role as Murray—a school friend and loyal confidant of John’s, as well as the son of Dottie.
I Swear is not one to miss. Avoiding the usual tropes of the often overdone and cliché modern biopic, Jones crafts an unforgettable, deeply human depiction of an extraordinary life story that will surely resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
I Swear will be in cinemas from 10 October.
