"I Swear" REVIEW

Published on 4/25/2026 

Written by: Braylon Mitchell 

Won Best Actor (Robert Aramayo), Best Casting, and EE Rising Star Award (Robert Aramayo) at the 79th BAFTA Awards and nominated for Outstanding British Film, Best Supporting Actor (Peter Mullan), and Best Original Screenplay. 

Directed by: Kirk Jones 

Cast: Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Peter Mullan, etc. 

Plot:  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. 

REVIEW 

Finally! This film has released in the US, months after its premiere across the pond in the UK and a month after it won three BAFTA awards- including Best Actor for Robert Aramayo in a shocker win over at the time frontrunner Timothee Chalamet for "Marty Supreme" and the eventual Oscar Best Actor winner Michael B. Jordan for "Sinners". For most of us yankees over here in America, we had to wait and see what all the hubbub over this film was all about. Now that I've seen it, I've got to say that it makes an abudance of sense why this was such a hit with the Brits and why Robert Aramayo's performance resonated so strongly with so many people. This is the type of role that makes an actor's career, and that's exactly the case for Aramayo. He'll forever be remembered for this powerhouse performance, and I'm certain it'll lead to him getting more major roles in the future- absolutely in British cinema, and probably in some American productions as well. It's a star-making performance that defines an entire film. I would write that he's the reason to see the film, but he's only one of them. This film is all around very well acted and very well made. The supporting cast is just as strong as Aramayo is, and for me it's the character relationships on display that were the most engaing aspect of the film. Most of all, the bond between John Davidson and his friend's mother Dottie Achenbach is the true heart of the film. Their friendship is a joy to watch, I don't see how someone wouldn't smile at the growth and understanding that sparks with their discovery of each other. Ah ha, we've gotten to the key word of this film's existence and what it promotes strongest; understanding. If this film wants to you to take anything away from the story of John Davidson, it's that understanding, communication, and education when it comes to Tourettes Syndrome will make a world of difference. Tourettes is a condition that many people know about, but most people don't fully understand- and this film classifies as a must watch when it comes to pushing the importance of understanding. It's not every day that a film actively engraves apart of itself towards the strife of making the world a better, more educated place. This is a great, inspirational film that makes a prime case of the type of based on a true story biopic that should be made more often. 

THREE BEST ELEMENTS

• Robert Aramayo's performance. You really can't argue that he isn't pretty exceptional in this film. If I hadn't already seen him accept the BAFTA and give a speech last month, I would've thought he had Tourettes Syndrome in real life- he plays the role that well, that authentically. Aramayo masters all of the ticks and mannerisms of Tourettes flawlessly, with the emotional depth to back it up and provide a humanistic footing. He makes sure that this isn't just an impression of a man with Tourettes, but instead an encapsulation of John Davidson. A great performance. 

• The cast ensemble. Even in a film where Aramayo is giving the powerhouse performance that he does, it's a testament to how well cast this film is that the supporting players are as strong as they are. I'd argue that Maxine Peake's performance is the heart of the film, playing the character Dottie. She's so heartfelt in this role. I'm surpised she didn't receive a BAFTA nod alongside Aramayo and Mullan, I'd think if voters were going all in on the film they'd go for her too. Speaking of Mullan, he isn't in the film for long but he leaves an impression that's for sure- a scene in court being his standout moment. Shirley Henderson gives a standout performance as Davidson's mother too. 

• Kirk Jones' direction. Not the flashiest or most elaborate direction, but it doesn't need to be. Jones guides the film with a very competent, steadfast hand. Having wrote and directed it, you can tell how much of a passion project this was for him. 

WORST ELEMENT 

• The film for the most part follows a close formula, effectively so but not without room to take a step or two off the beaten path. 

RATING

7/10

You should watch it, buddy!