John Davidson is a sufferer of Tourette’s Syndrome who helped bring publicity to the condition in a landmark 1989 BBC documentary, John’s Not Mad. Writer/director Kirk Jones brings his story to the big screen in I Swear. I think that this heartfelt drama will be a big hit in this country, and will be a predominant player at the BAFTAs but may struggle to find an audience elsewhere, as it feels like a very British film about an underdog overcoming adversity and the authorities.
Robert Aramayo brings brilliant depth to the role of John, making him more than someone suffering with the illness. The supporting cast is stuffed full of talent. Shirley Henderson handles well the difficult role of his Mum who cannot cope with him. She made her sympathetic rather than unlikeable. Peter Mullan twinkles briefly as the man who takes a chance on John by giving him a job and the great Maxine Peake radiates as Dottie Achenbach, the woman who takes John in and helps him come to terms with his condition.
The story beats may feel familiar, but this is an uplifting story that brings both smiles and tears.
Rating: 8.5 out 10