I Swear

David Carlyle

Chris

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, because you just might be surprised by what’s inside. The same, of course, can be said for people, and that’s especially true when it comes to individuals with the rare and unusual condition known as Tourette Syndrome. And that’s precisely the point driven home by this excellent new fact-based comedy-drama from writer-director Kirk Jones. For those unfamiliar with Tourette, it’s a condition in which those affected exhibit potentially offensive and/or violent behavior unexpectedly in the midst of what seems like otherwise-“normal” activity. Quite literally, someone might appear to be carrying on a normal conversation one moment only to spontaneously and uncontrollably break into highly vocal outbursts of antisocial, misogynist and/or racially prejudicial language. Such incidents are also sometimes accompanied by physical tics that can lead to punching, slapping and other wild gyrations. And the odd part about all this is that those who experience these manifestations are aware that they’re happening but can’t stop them, no matter how much they try or would like to. In many cases, these individuals are fundamentally friendly and kind-hearted souls who, try as they might, are simply incapable of controlling these impulses, a source of tremendous personal frustration for them. However, onlookers frequently don’t understand the condition and often react with outrage, offense and indignation at these occurrences. And, for those affected, this usually leads to alienation socially, vocationally and even in relations with family members, despite a strong desire to fit in with regular aspects of everyday life. What’s worse, Tourette is difficult to treat, largely because the cause is unknown (in fact, for a long time, some mental health professionals even doubted whether it was a “real” condition). Such has been the experience of Scotsman John Davidson (Robert Aramayo), a middle-aged community center manager who has fought to have his situation understood ever since he first began experiencing symptoms as an adolescent (Scott Ellis Watson). However, with the aid of a compassionate former mental health care nurse (Maxine Peake) and a supportive employer (Peter Mullan) willing to take a chance on hiring him, John earnestly sought treatment (including experimental techniques) and became a staunch advocate for promoting understanding and acceptance for those similarly situated. His efforts even led to John being honored by Queen Elizabeth II (Christina Ashford) for his committed activism in helping to diminish the stigmas often unfairly thrust upon those with this mysterious syndrome, the kind of ostracism, indifference and misplaced malice that John experienced at the hands of teachers, police officers and even his own parents (Steven Cree, Shirley Henderson). Davidson’s story has been masterfully brought to life in this truly superb offering, one that’s highly instructive without becoming preachy thanks in large part to its BAFTA Award-nominated screenplay. The picture meticulously balances its heartfelt and dramatic tale with perfectly coordinated comic relief, perhaps best illustrated through the protagonist’s outbursts, which effectively depict the condition while simultaneously evoking ample, well-earned, outrageously colorful laughs, very much in the same vein as those seen in the raucous historic comedy, “Wicked Little Letters” (2023). But perhaps the film’s greatest strength is its performances, portrayals that earned the picture the BAFTA Award for best casting (successfully besting such heavy-hitter nominees as “One Battle After Another”, “Sinners” and “Sentimental Value” (“Affeksjonsverdi”)), including those turned in by Peake, BAFTA nominee Mullan and BAFTA winner Aramayo, who positively nails the part (and who, hopefully, deservedly qualifies for 2027 Oscar consideration). As a BAFTA Award nominee for best British Film of 2025, this release merits every bit of praise it has earned, both as an informational outlet and as an engaging entertainment vehicle, even though those who are easily troubled by coarse language (the film’s title truly is appropriately fitting) and occasional troubling acts of violence may want to give serious thought to whether they wish to see this release. But, for those for whom these issues are not a problem, please put this one on your watch list. You’re likely to relish what you see between the covers of this captivating book.