Tourette’s syndrome activist John Davidson is no stranger to our screens, having been the subject of groundbreaking Q.E.D. television episode titled ‘John’s Not Mad’ among many other documentaries over the years. His campaign to raise awareness of the disorder led to an MBE award in 2019 and his incredible story has been dramatised in the latest feature from writer and director Kirk Jones. Based in the Scottish Borders town of Galashiels, biographical comedy drama I Swear follows John through a challenging adolescence (Scott Ellis Watson) and into adulthood (Robert Aramayo) as he comes to terms with his diagnosis. After mental health nurse Dottie (Maxine Peake) takes him under her wing, he meets Tommy (Peter Mullan) who presents him with a rare opportunity and encourages him to speak out about the condition.
Capturing the grey austerity of Thatcherism within John’s formative school years, the film achieves a social-realist style that you would associate with the likes of Gregory’s Girl or Ken Loach’s oeuvre. With the help of the soundtrack and detailed production design, Jones establishes a strong sense of time and place in 1980s Scotland. He adopts a familiar structure by which to tell the tale and though the narrative beats are a touch paint-by-numbers, the protagonist is anything but, described as a “real-life superhero” by the filmmaker. Where the script really thrives is in the delicate tonal balance of humour and pathos. There’s comedy gold within the timing and delivery of involuntary tics but the film allows us to laugh at the situation, without ever making John the butt of the joke.
Best known for his work on fantasy TV series such as Game of Thrones and Rings of Power, lead actor Robert Aramayo spent time shadowing Davidson in preparation for the role, and this graft comes through in the frame. With distinct mannerisms and a coiled-spring unpredictability, he nails the physical specificity as well as evoking emotion in the character’s deep anguish. Pivotal scenes with Peake as well as supporting actors Peter Mullan and Shirley Henderson are beautifully measured, as the important people in John’s life each carve their part of his path to the advocacy he practices today. The great turn from Scott Ellis Watson shouldn’t go unnoticed in what is his film debut; he brilliantly conveys the confusion, frustrations, and fear of John’s early symptoms.
A lot of work is still to be done in increasing our understanding of Tourette’s syndrome with steps being taken in developing technology that will ease the daily effects for its sufferers. Davidson remains active in his mission and Kirk Jones’ excellent effort will go a long way to continuing the conversation. Elevated by an outstanding central performance from Aramayo that could very well attract awards recognition come next year, I Swear is hilarious and heartwarming in equal measures.
Cinema Perspective 