The second I saw the premise of I SWEAR, I knew I had to prioritize seeing it at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year. The film is based on the inspirational true story of Scottish social activist John Davidson, showing his life before and after he was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes extemporaneous, unwanted tics, which usually present as vocal pronouncements or repetitive movements. I SWEAR does an incredible job of showing the man behind the tics, the people that supported him to become an advocate for others diagnosed with the condition, and all of the adversity he had to overcome to be comfortable with himself.
The film opens in a rather hilarious way, with John (Robert Aramayo) standing in Buckingham Palace, ready to receive his MBE from Queen Elizabeth II. He is just as concerned as we all are—that he is a ticking time bomb, primed to say something inappropriate during the ceremony. It seems clear, that this is not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. This sets the stage for the film as a whole, which is an exploration of who John is as a person from his childhood years before the tics began up to his passionate work advocating for others diagnosed with Tourette.
While many can find humorous elements in the outbursts caused by Tourette Syndrome, I SWEAR is at its best when it showcases the humanity behind the outbursts, including the toll it takes on those in the individual’s orbit. You see the positive and negative effects of Tourette on human relationships. The film highlights the supporters in John’s life, especially with Dottie Achenbach (Maxine Peak), who took him in when he was a young man and didn’t feel supported by his parents. She is a bright light in the film, who is shown to be understanding and kind, even when John accidentally hits her during one of his reflexive movements.
But I really appreciated that even when the film honestly covers the more negative elements caused by the disorder, it doesn’t feel like the film is being judgmental against them. This was particularly apparent in John’s relationship with his mother. Despite her not being as supportive as we would have expected, it never feels like the film is trying to make her look bad or take an aggressive stance to shame her. She wants to be a better person for John, we want her to be a better person for John, but she isn’t capable of being the person he needs her to be and he acknowledges that. He respects the person she is.
I SWEAR doesn’t stray too far from the biopic formula we are used to, but it is entertaining, heartfelt, and downright funny throughout. I won’t spoil what John actually does say in front of the queen, but buckle up. It’s a f*&#ng doozy!
My Review: B-
