Directed, written and produced by Kirk Jones (Walking Ned), I Swear is an evocative, essential portrait of Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson MBE as he grows up in 1980s Scotland. Set during an era of ignorance and lack of education surrounding a myriad of medical conditions, Jones’ film is a razor-sharp exploration of how society treats individuals who do not fit their outdated ideal image of the norm.
Beyond its unapologetic, tightly-knit script and vintage cinematography, romanticising rural working-class Scotland and providing lush green landscapes and low-tide beaches for our protagonist to visit and just be, the strength of I Swear is in its performances. Whilst it is the transformative and indomitable Robert Aramayo who leads the film’s ensemble through the second and third acts, Scott Ellis Watson is our introduction to John, and he is beyond outstanding. Tasked with the arduous role of portraying the shift in John’s childhood, where his involuntary tics begin to impact his golden-boy status in school and family settings, Watson delivers a mature, emotionally weighted performance, which sets a stellar standard for his veteran co-stars (Shirley Henderson, Peter Mullan and Maxine Peake) to match later in the film – I really hope he gets his flowers for this.
I Swear follows John Davidson’s (Aramayo) transition into adulthood, presenting to audiences the additional challenges John must face when attempting to mask his Tourette’s in public and private settings. From a night on the town with friends, dinner with family, to food, and getting a job (and keeping it), the film handles each situation with humility and grace that leaves me stifling through fits of tears and laughter. The depiction of John getting his job at the local rec centre epitomises the warmth the film radiates throughout its runtime. Home from his interview with Tommy Trotter – rec centre veteran with a heart of gold, played by a joyous, quick-witted Peter Mullan – John returns to find his home in complete darkness. Panicked for his found-family, he rushes into the living room and finds them huddled together. They burst into gleeful praise of news that John got the job, and revel in the relief that Dottie (a radiant Maxine Peake) is returning to full health.
The Achenbachs’ classically 80s living room is engulfed in a warm light, reminiscent of the glow which my grandparents’ fireplace used to emanate when I was young. This scene is bursting with warmth, acceptance and familial love, an example of what can happen when we embrace and advocate for our loved ones and their differences.
I Swear is gritty and unapologetic in showcasing the reality in which those with Tourette’s Syndrome and other medical conditions suffer through. Director Kirk Jones does not turn away from the abuse, degradation and emotional turmoil John Davidson fought through to become the man he is today, and Robert Aramayo gives himself to the film and story, with an impassioned and sublime performance you’ll truly never forget. This film is utterly beautiful.
This is not just another biopic of a man and a story we should all admire, but a call to educate, embrace and advocate for anyone whose story has been ignored, dismissed and misunderstood. I Swear asks audiences to look beyond their ignorance, showcasing the life-affirming impact of taking time to listen, love and learn. Stories like John’s shouldn’t be left to the sidelines. They should be everywhere. They should be the norm.
★★★★★
In UK Cinemas October 10th / Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Peter Mullan, Shirley Henderson, Scott Ellis Watson / Dir. Kirk Jones / Studiocanal / 15
Related
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
