The true life story of John Davidson, diagnosed with Tourette’s at 15 and targeted as ‘insane’ by his peers, John struggled with a condition few had witnessed. Campaigning for better understanding and acceptance of the condition of Tourette’s as an adult, John finds his life’s purpose and is awarded an MBE in 2019. A deft balance of prickly and sweet that’s bound together by Robert Aramayo’s knockout performance, I SWEAR doesn’t sugar-coat the challenges of Tourette Syndrome while delivering an uplifting tale of resilience.

Mark says:
“I Swear” – the clue’s in the title as they say, but it’s way more complicated than that. And this brilliant film takes us back 40 years, to a time when anything different was usually viewed without compassion, understanding or empathy; and sometimes as a stain on the family, to be denied or disowned. This story may not be a complete description of Tourette’s, but it reminds us just how far we’ve come, that the “rose tinted” past was a cruel and difficult place for some people, and that now many things are better…

Reviews:
“The script is compassionate, wise and witty and the performances are exceptional.” Emma Simmonds, The List.

“An undeniable crowd-pleaser filled with humour, heartbreak, and triumph, Kirk Jones has crafted a film as inspiring as its subject, which will leave audiences not only entertained but uplifted by John Davidson’s extraordinary journey.” Rachel West, That Shelf.

“With its touching message of empathy, acceptance and kindness, along with excellent performances from Aramayo, Peake and Mullan, I Swear is a hugely important and informative watch – and potentially one of this year’s best British films.” Nicola Austin, Movie Maker.