I Swear (2025)★ 8.7/10

Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition. Most often, this involves involuntary vocal outbursts and jerky body movements, called tics. This makes social interaction extremely difficult, as was the case for John Davidson. His true story is told through the lens of I SWEAR, a humorous, heartfelt look into this man’s trying life. Diagnosed with Tourette’s when he was 15, John (newcomer Scott Ellis Watson) develops tics that drastically change the course of his life. He is misunderstood by the people closest to him and bullied by the people who are not. Some years later, John (now played by Robert Aramayo) meets his friend’s mom Dottie (Maxine Peake), an understanding light in John’s life. Oh I loved this movie so much. Finally we get a biopic that ended with me learning something interesting I didn’t know before. Not only is this movie educational about Tourette’s, it’s also educational about empathy, kindness, patience, and resilience. It’s a reminder that people can still be really good. It doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges that come with having Tourette’s. Both the tone and pacing are perfect. Aramayo’s performance earned him the BAFTA award for Best Actor, beating out DiCaprio, Chalamet, and Jordan. If the US release date had been earlier, I believe he could’ve won the Oscar. Guess we’ll have to wait until next year. My only problem with this movie is that not enough people are seeing it. It’s one of the top of the year for me. Movies like RORY O’SHEA WAS HERE, CODA, and MILDLIFE all have an educational message, giving voice to the previously voiceless. I SWEAR this is one of them. My favourite type of biopic is about an unknown (to me) person who does extraordinary things. I SWEAR this is one of them. Remember, if you truly can’t help it, don’t apologize for being who you are. Don’t adapt to society, make society adapt to you for a change.