I Swear is a new film written and directed by Kirk Jones, starring Scott Ellis Watson and Robert Aramayo (Ned Stark in Game of Thrones) as the young and adult versions of John Davidson, alongside Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, and Peter Mullan.

John Davidson is a real life activist from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders who first came to public attention as a teenager in the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad. The film captured the raw reality of living with Tourette syndrome, the tics, compulsive movements, and involuntary outbursts that shaped his daily life. Since then, Davidson has become an advocate for awareness and understanding of the condition, earning an MBE in 2019 for his educational work.

I Swear follows that journey with remarkable sensitivity and warmth. Scott Ellis Watson plays young John, a schoolboy who is cruelly bullied by his classmates and punished by his teacher, who mistakes his tics for bad behaviour. As an adult, John is portrayed with extraordinary empathy and humour by Robert Aramayo, whose performance captures the quiet resilience of a man constantly at odds with his own body. Aramayo’s John is funny, stubborn, vulnerable, and deeply human.

Shirley Henderson is heartbreaking as Heather, John’s mother, who struggles to cope with the relentless strain of his condition. Maxine Peake brings understated compassion as the nurse who recognises John’s potential, while Peter Mullan adds kindness and warmth as Tommy, a community worker who offers John friendship and purpose.

The story shows how a condition that isolates can also open unexpected paths to empathy and connection. One of the film’s most affecting scenes comes when worried parents ask John to meet their daughter, who also has Tourette’s. In the back of a car, the two share tics, laughter, and a kind of unspoken release; it’s tender, funny, and very real.

I Swear is a beautiful film that at times can be both hilarious and heartbreaking. It captures the reality, struggle, and quiet triumph of living with Tourette syndrome. It’s one of the most moving and uplifting films I’ve seen in a long time and will leave a lasting impression long after the end credits roll.

I Swear is out in Irish cinemas nationwide from October 10th 2025

  • Directed by: Kirk Jones
  • Written by: Kirk Jones
  • Starring: Robert Aramayo, Peter Mullan, and Maxine Peake
  • Running Time: 2hrs

Review by Claire Millane, a Dublin based actor and comedian. Follow on YouTube at COMEDYBreakz

I Swear Trailer