REVIEW: I SWEAR
THE GIST
What a film! What a performance by Robert Aramayo!
Spunk for milk!
8.5/10
THE REVIEW
NO SPOILERS
EXPECTATIONS
This has been one of those films that I never thought I would watch just seeing the film poster. But once I saw the trailers I knew I had to. And given that Robert Aramayo won the Best Actor award at the Baftas just cemented my decision.
My expectations were high, not only from what I had seen but also from the ratings and reviews. I haven’t revisited the reviews writing this as I don’t want to spoil my expectations but I did just peek at the ratings. The average rating is 9.17/10. That’s masterpiece territory. Is this Robert Aramayo’s My Left Foot?
CONTEXT
The film is based on the life of John Davidson, who is a Scottish activist and campaigner for Tourette syndrome. At age 16, Davidson was the subject of the BBC TV documentary John's Not Mad (1989) about the manifestations of Tourettes with which he lived. There have been a number of BBC follow-up documentaries throughout his life, as well as this biopic.
THE PLOT
John Davidson grows up with Tourette Syndrome in 1980s Scotland. He faces a society that does not understand his condition. He eventually becomes a campaigner to increase public awareness.
THE EXPERIENCE
This is a gem of a film. It just tells the story as it is and that’s all it needs. It wasn’t flashy or grandiose in score, it is exactly what it needed to be.
To me, some of the Tourette’s tics are knee jerk reaction laugh out loud funny. I am not laughing at them. Saying the most inappropriate thing at the most inopportune time is comedy gold to me. This film shows that but also shows the darker side to having tics and it was an honour to watch and learn.
It’s tragic, it’s heartwarming, it’s poignant, it’s hopeful. It’s a beautiful film.
THE MEAT
The performances were amazing all round. Robert Aramayo should have at least been nominated for an Oscar. I personally think he should have won it as well as his Bafta.
I really felt the emotion: The amount of times I felt heartbroken and teared up throughout this was a lot. I relate to being misunderstood for other neurological issues so it really hit home for me.
The point: Like most disabilities/neurolgical/mental health issues, the root of all the harm to the person with it is people not understanding them. There doesn’t have to be intent by other people to be mean, if they don’t understand you, even if they are the kindest people you know, they can effectively cause you harm. Whether it’s the general public or the people closest to them, deeper mental health issues arise from not being understood. This film captured that perfectly.
The likeness: Sometimes it can be hard getting the likeness of a real life character right but looking at Robert Aramayo and the real John Davidson, you could easily believe that Robert was the younger version of John. The person who played the young John looked nothing like either of them which came to mind watching the film but given the great performance of the young actor Scott Ellis Watson, it didn’t bother me too much.
SUMMARY
It really was just a lovely film experience.
This is one of those movies I feel I will probably give a higher rating upon rewatch.
Please go see it. Best movie I have seen in 2026!
8.5/10
