John Davidson (Scott Ellis Watson and Robert Aramayo) was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome when he was just thirteen years old. Back in the eighties, not many people knew about this condition and as a result, John was alienated from his family and friends for being different. As he grew older and learned more about himself, he was able to educate those around him.
I had a feeling that this film would tug at my heartstrings and I was not wrong. Everything about it from the casting, to the story, to the message was perfect. Every once in a while a film comes around that could change somebody’s life. I truly think that this is that film.
Both Ellis Watson and Aramayo were phenomenal as John Davidson. From seeing how it all started right up to present day was an emotional rollercoaster. Ellis Watson was nothing short of heartbreaking as a young boy unsure of what was happening in his body and feeling like a complete outcast at school. Aramayo only further showed how Tourette’s affected his adult life. He struggled to find a job and a romantic partner amongst many other standard human things.
The supporting cast were just as brilliant. Maxine Peake starred as Dottie Achenbach, the mother of one of John’s friends who ends up taking John in. She acts as his main support system. Their friendship was beautiful. For the first time in his life, John had somebody who believed in him. Peter Mullen was Tommy Trotter, a friend of the Achenbach family and the man who gives John his first job at the community centre. He gave John a chance and also served as a mentor to him. Lastly, there was Shirley Henderson who played Helen Davidson, John’s mother. She had the tough task of a mother who was scared of what her son was going through and as a result did not give him that acceptance that he desperately needed.
While many moments had me laughing out loud, there were just has many that utterly destroyed me. John Davidson went through so much and at times I found the film hard to watch. All he ever wanted was to be accepted, not only by those around him, but he needed to accept himself too. Seeing him come into his own was incredibly inspiring and it was so validating for him to have a happy ending.
I Swear is one of the best films I have seen this year. All John Davidson wanted was to be normal. He was ridiculed for his condition and because others around him simply didn’t understand. I have dealt with anxiety and depression my whole life and as a result I never really felt like I fit in either. This movie made me feel seen and I am sure that it will help others too. Having it come out on World Mental Health Day (this should really be every day, but I digress) was well planned too. I am so glad that it exists!
Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Credits Rolling 