I Swear

I Swear is a 2025 British biographical drama that follows the real‑life journey of John Davidson, a Scottish man who was diagnosed with severe Tourette syndrome at 15. The film, directed, written and produced by Kirk Jones, shows how John navigates the ups and downs of growing up in a working‑class family in Galashiels, dealing with the stigma of his tics, and eventually finding purpose through kindness and community work. Robert Aramayo gives a standout performance as Davidson, while Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan support him in key roles that highlight the people who help him along the way.

The story is told with a mix of humor and honesty, never sugarcoating the challenges of Tourette’s but also celebrating the resilience that John develops. Critics praised the film’s “humane tone” and Aramayo’s “flawless” portrayal, earning it a 98 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 69 on Metacritic. It even snagged two BAFTA awards, including Best Actor for Aramayo. The film runs a solid 121 minutes, giving plenty of time to explore John’s life from childhood through adulthood, his work at a community centre, his eventual recognition as an MBE, and his collaboration with researchers on a new treatment device.

I Swear premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on 7 September and hit UK screens on 10 October, distributed by StudioCanal. Sony Pictures Classics picked it up for the US, Latin America, Turkey, Portugal, Southeast Asia, South Korea and most of Eastern Europe, with a planned release on 24 April 2026. It also became available on Netflix UK in March 2026.

If you’re into biographical dramas that tackle real issues with empathy and a touch of levity, this film will resonate. Fans of stories about neurodiversity, resilience, and the power of community will find it especially moving. On the flip side, if you prefer light‑hearted rom‑coms or high‑octane action, you might find the pacing a bit slower. Overall, I Swear is a heartfelt, uplifting tale that reminds us that understanding and support can turn a life of challenges into a story of purpose.