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I Swear

Play trailer 2:12 Poster for I Swear 2025 2h 1m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 29 Reviews 99% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Scottish setting, true life story of John Davidson. Diagnosed with Tourette's at 15, targeted as 'insane' by his peers, he struggled with a condition few had witnessed. Campaigning for better understanding and acceptance of the condition of Tourette's as an adult, he finds his life's purpose and accepted his MBE from the Queen in 2019.
I Swear

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A deft balance of prickly and sweet that's bound together by Robert Aramayo's knockout performance, I Swear doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of Tourette syndrome while delivering an uplifting tale of resilience.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Oct 15
4/5
All flaws are overcome by Aramayo’s technically precise and heart-rending turn. It’s astonishing. Go to Full Review
David Jenkins Little White Lies Oct 14
2/5
What the film does have going for it is a remarkable and charismatic performance from actor Robert Aramayo. Go to Full Review
Clarisse Loughrey Independent (UK) Oct 14
4/5
I Swear happily adheres to the British cinematic tradition of small town underdog stories, without ever hijacking and streamlining Davidson’s experiences to maximise its “feel-good” credentials. Go to Full Review
Ben Allen GQ Magazine [UK] Nov 25
In less capable hands, Davidson would feel like a caricature, but Aramayo manages to make his Tourette's tics clearly involuntary, playing both the funny and the sad bits beautifully. Go to Full Review
Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall Oct 14
4/5
While writer-director Kirk Jones pushes the emotions rather forcefully, the story is made wonderfully spicy simply because of the subject matter. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Hayley S @Hayls431 1d Loved this movie I remember watching John in a bbc documentary. Thoroughly enjoyed this movie..and im so interested to learn about this new device he was testing! The acting in this was phenomenal. See more Lesley L @LesleyJane 1d This is one of the best films I’ve ever seen. Absolutely loved it. So many emotions throughout. The acting was exceptional! And to think this is based on a true story. I definitely recommend this! See more Deb L @zerbit 1d This is one of the best documentaries (?) I have ever seen. I don’t know anyone with Tourette’s, but it gave me an understanding of the torture those who have it go through. I found myself yelling at the tv: "he’s got Tourette’s, you asshole! Cut him a break!" John Davidson is an amazing human being and the perfect advocate for those who suffer from this syndrome. This should be required watching for anyone who works in education, healthcare, public service, or has ANY contact with other human beings. So heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. Recommended 100% See more Simon P @Simon183 1d Brilliantly portrayed the complexity and challenges of the condition. Personally very educational, I understand a bit about the 300,000 people in the UK who live Tourettes. We laughed and cried. Excellent acting, and inspiring film in many ways. Loved it! See more W K @wkerr 2d A must watch. Had me laughing, crying and reflecting on the challenges that life can bring. Did not expect to enjoy this and thought it was one of the best films I’ve seen in a very long time. See more P C @Fridge98 3d I've never written any film review in my life. I don't like to comment or put my opinions out in public, yet here we are. "I swear" is a truly exceptional film, watch it, please. I hope that you enjoy 2026 and that life treats you fairly for the rest of your days. All the best. See more Read all reviews
I Swear

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Movie Info

Synopsis Scottish setting, true life story of John Davidson. Diagnosed with Tourette's at 15, targeted as 'insane' by his peers, he struggled with a condition few had witnessed. Campaigning for better understanding and acceptance of the condition of Tourette's as an adult, he finds his life's purpose and accepted his MBE from the Queen in 2019.
Director
Kirk Jones
Producer
Piers Tempest, Kirk Jones, Georgia Bayliff
Screenwriter
Kirk Jones, Kirk Jones
Production Co
Tempo Productions, One Story High
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
2h 1m