I Swear (MA) – 120 minutes

A biographical comedic drama inspired by reality, I Swear is one of the feel-good films of the year.

The movie, which starts in 1983, traces the journey of a Scottish youngster who, at a time when the condition isn’t universally recognised, develops Tourette’s Syndrome.

John Davidson is the eldest of four children, a hard worker and a gifted young soccer goalkeeper who eyes a promising future when he enters high school.

But as soon as he does, the first symptoms of Tourette’s appear.

They include involuntary neck jerks, twitches, swearing and spitting.

He has no idea what is going on and neither do his parents, his soccer coach, his fellow students or the school’s principal.

All deal with him harshly.

As John’s condition worsens, he is beside himself and he is still only 13 years of age.

Then we move 13 years on.

John still lives with his mum and is taking strong medication for his condition.

He doesn’t work and there is no suggestion he has any friends.

One day, while out shopping with his mum, he bumps into a former schoolmate, Murray, who invites him to take a walk. 

So, it is that he not only reconnects with Murray, but with Murray’s easy-going mum, Dottie Achenbach, who embraces John and the challenges he faces.

Unfortunately, she has been diagnosed with liver cancer and has been given only six months to live, but that doesn’t deter her.

She has been a mental health nurse and recognises the toll that the medication and simply trying to cope has had on John.

He moves in with Dottie and her family, and his life takes a decided turn. 

Writer and director Kirk Jones has crafted a very special movie experience, which is, at times, heartbreaking and, on other occasions, inspiring.

I Swear is a film featuring many precious, unforgettable scenes – tribulations and triumphs – which I am not about to spoil.

Robert Aramayo gives a memorable performance as the adult John Davidson, displaying vulnerability, resilience and drive.

He deserves the highest accolades for the authenticity he brings to the part.

Scot Ellis Watson also impresses as the teenage John, whose life changes for the worse in an instant, as he is desperate to claw back the self he had known.

There is so much warmth and humanity in Maxine Peake, as the up for anything Dottie, who takes over adult John’s care. Peake shines in the role.

With the onset of John’s symptoms, his mother Heather Davidson’s life also takes on a new trajectory. Shirley Henderson displays the pitfalls and challenges in spades.

Another to highlight is Peter Mullan. He wholeheartedly embraces the character of John’s good natured, understanding local community centre employer, Tommy Trotter.

In assuming the persona, Mullan stands tall with a twinkle in his eye.

Remember to stay on for the credits, where you will see the real John Davidson in a few scenes that were acted out in the movie.

I Swear brings accessibility and engagement to Tourette’s Syndrome and should be on your must see list. I have already seen it twice.

Rated MA, it scores an 8½ out of 10.