On February 22nd, 2026, while presenting an award for Best Special Visual Effects at the 79th BAFTAs, actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s presentation was quickly interrupted by the slur “n****r,” spoken by Scottish Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson. Ever the professionals (even in the face of adversity), Lindo and Jordan carried on with their presentation and Davidson exited the ceremony of his own accord. The next day, all hell broke loose. People came out in defense of the Sinners actors and placed blame (not so justifiably) on Davidson as well as (more justifiably) on the BAFTAs ceremony itself and their incompetence on not only having a mic near Davidson but also not editing out the painful moment in broadcast (especially when, earlier that night, part of director Akinola Davies Jr’s speech, in which he said “Free Palestine,” was pre-edited out). It’s almost a stranger-than-fiction irony that this embarrassing moment is a contrasting mirror to the shockingly funny opening of Kirk Jones’s I Swear. In 2019, as an older Davidson (Robert Aramayo) prepares to receive the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire from the Queen herself, his tic causes him to uncontrollably say “Fuck the Queen!” Cut to title card. Brilliant. For the course of the next 115 minutes or so, I Swear doesn’t shy away from showing us that embarrassing moments like this are part of Davidson’s journey of just trying to exist.
L-R: Maxine Peake as Dottie Achenbach and Robert Aramayo as John Davidson in I SWEAR. Photo Credit: Graeme Hunter. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
I Swear follows Davidson from his beginnings as a 12-year-old (the young Davidson played by a terrific Scott Ellis Watson) with a promising football career in 1983. Just as his career is starting to show promise, he starts to experience episodes of uncontrollable tics and swearing. Not yet diagnosed as a condition (or even taken seriously in society), his Tourette syndrome is perceived as an embarrassment to his educators and his family. His hands are whipped by a belt by his headmaster (Ron Donachie), his father (Steven Cree) abandons him and his mother (Shirley Henderson) directs him to be out of sight and out of mind. A haunting scene to note is when Davidson’s mother, Heather, tells him to sit in front of the fireplace away from the family table so he can uncontrollably spit into the pyre instead of into his siblings’ food. After a failed suicide attempt, an older, young adult Davidson moves with in with the family of his best friend Murray (Francesco Piacentini-Smith). It’s from here that the film showcases its strongest relationship — Murray’s mother Dottie (played by a fantastic Maxine Peake) taking a liking to John, herself carrying a burden of an impending cancer diagnosis. As these two connect over their uncontrollable health conditions, the film drives home a strong point of empathy and human connection above all prejudices.
L-R: Shirley Henderson as Heather Davidson and Maxine Peake as Dottie Achenbach in I SWEAR. Photo Credit: Graeme Hunter. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
This film boasts strong performances with the strongest of all coming from Robert Aramayo (Nocturnal Animals). Proving himself deserving of the Best Actor award he won at the BAFTAs, Aramayo fully immerses himself into the character. Every uncontrollable tic along with every moment of sadness and humor is felt through his performance. When there’s a moment or even a glimmer of hope — whether it’s a hopeful interview or a breathtaking discovery in finding a cure — Aramayo’s face shines and he makes you want to root for David and his journey to just be, tic or no tic. Maxine Peake (Wendell & Wild) does a fantastic job bouncing off of Aramayo in their scenes together, balancing heart and comedy in their shared moments. Her presence is a warm one that provides this character with the maternal nurturing that he needs as he ages and matures. Shirley Henderson (Trainspotting) is an excellent contrast to Peake as Davidson’s stern and reserved mother, Heather. While her character may seem cold at first, Henderson brings enough complexity to the role that, by the end, she is not just written off as the “evil mother.” Another shining spot in the cast is Peter Mullan (Trainspotting) as Tommy Trotter, a caretaker who gives Davidson a job as his assistant at the local community center. Tommy is tough, funny, and also has a soft spot for Davidson, but he doesn’t treat him any different because of his condition — he treats him as another human being. This dynamic cast is part of what makes I Swear work alongside its powerful message of empathy and understanding.
Robert Aramayo as John Davidson in I SWEAR. Photo Credit: Graeme Hunter. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
Director Kirk Jones (nanny McPhee) does a great job of showing a character’s tough journey with witty objectivity. The film doesn’t totally aim to take pity of Davidson (sans the opening scenes with Davidson as a tortured and bullied 12-year-old) but to show him as he is, flaws and all. Throughout the humor and the pain, Jones delivers a serviceable film of overcoming adversity and providing hope. It may not necessarily be the best biopic of an activist ever made, but for what it delivers, the message is successfully brought home, especially in its heartwarming final scene of optimism.
In theaters April 24th, 2026.
For more information, head either to the official Sony Pictures Classics I Swear webpage or film website.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5.
Share this:
Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
Leave a Reply