I Swear

by Mike McGranaghan

Here in the United States, John Davidson is best known for an unfortunate incident in which he shouted a racial slur at actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTA awards. In the UK, however, he’s well known for his work educating the public about Tourette Syndrome, the neurodevelopmental disorder that causes uncontrollable tics and twitches, and, in some cases, verbal outbursts. The biopic I Swear will hopefully combine with that BAFTA situation to give people a better understanding of the challenges faced by those with TS. That the film is as entertaining as it is educational makes it even more worthwhile.

John (Robert Aramayo) has faced adversity since childhood, when – as we see in flashback - his condition surfaces, putting a strain on his parents’ marriage. Mom Heather (Shirley Henderson) is particularly rough on him, forcing him to eat in front of the fireplace due to his penchant for spitting out food. Now an adult, John seeks to establish some sort of independent life for himself. A big step in that direction comes when he gets a job at the local community center. Problems still arise, including those of the legal and medical varieties. Then something happens that sets him on the path of advocacy.

Written and directed by Kirk Jones, I Swear makes a very important choice: it takes the struggles created by Tourette Syndrome seriously while also acknowledging the results are occasionally funny. Sometimes it does both of those things simultaneously, as when John randomly blurts out “I’m a pedophile!” during a job interview. There are moments where the tics and utterings cause genuine problems for the character. His life is visibly complicated by the things he cannot control. Incorporating instances of humor gives the picture an intermittently lighthearted quality that keeps it from becoming didactic.

One of the things that comes across most strongly is how the condition weighs on John. At times, he grows visibly frustrated with himself. He wavers back on forth on medication. Interpersonal relationships are impacted, with some friends/family members less able to tolerate his involuntary behaviors than others. The pains that accompany Tourette Syndrome are astutely portrayed. That, in turn, makes John’s eventual embracing of activism even more inspiring. We recognize the odds he overcomes.

Playing a neurodivergent character is always a dicey proposition. It’s too easy to give an overly mannered performance that undermines the condition being depicted. Robert Aramayo obviously did his homework. The actor captures the traits of TS with unfailing authenticity. (I know people who have it.) Even better, he takes us through the range of emotions John experiences, insecurity and doubt chief among them. Through everything, he ensures we care deeply about this man, not simply because he has a disorder but because he’s a likeable human being.

John’s evolution into becoming an advocate for TS is slightly truncated, presumably for time-related purposes. Its significance nevertheless remains. I Swear balances drama, comedy, and information very skillfully, telling John Davidson’s story in a way that touches your heart and opens your eyes.