John Davidson: diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at a young age which alienated him from his peers, he struggled with a condition few people had witnessed.

The fact that “I Swear” is based on a real person and real events makes it all the more compelling and heartbreaking. I didn’t know much about the movie before going in to see it. I didn’t know that it was nominated for 9 British Independent Film Awards (of which it won two) or that there was already a documentary about John Davidson and his Tourette syndrome made by the BBC.  What I do know is that watching this movie should be compulsory to not only teach the world about Tourette’s but also to teach compassion. 

The movie is superbly acted (lead actor Robert Aramayo won Best Lead Actor at both British Independent Film Awards and BAFTA), and hits all the highs and punches you in the gut for the lows. The movie isn’t genre bending or revolutionary in any way but takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. While the exact chronological order of facts strays from the events in the movie, it is true that John became a spokesperson for Tourettes, speaking to many groups, including police officers and doctors, to educate and raise awareness of the condition. In the end, “I Swear” is a moving film that plainly shows how frustrating and helpless the person with Tourette’s syndrome is and the expansive, loving capacity of the human spirit.

So, it’s ironic and sad that John was again misunderstood and persecuted for his uncontrollable tics at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts award ceremony earlier this year.  He was there because of the five nominations “I Swear” garnered, but instead of celebrating, John took himself out of the ceremony halfway through because he was once again the victim of ignorance. Clearly not everyone in the audience or watching from home had watched the movie. Which brings me back to the point that particularly in this day in age, everyone needs to watch this movie.

Barndi’s Grade: A