I SWEAR

In 1984, thirteen year old John Davidson (Scott Ellis Watson and Robert Aramayo) was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, which caused involuntary movements, loud verbal outbursts and obsessive compulsive behaviours. Initially his family members and teachers thought he was “playing the fool”, and he faced punishment both at home and at school as a result. He found strong support in caring individuals such as his friend’s mother Dottie Achenbach (Maxine Peake) who took him in, and Tommy Trotter (Peter Mullan) who gave him his first job as a caretaker at Langlee Community Centre in Galashiels, Scotland, where he continues to work today. This biopic chronicles John’s frustrating four-decade struggle with being misunderstood and ostracised. It traces his journey from alienation, to becoming a known ambassador for Tourette’s awareness. His advocacy efforts led to receiving an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2019, and in 2023 he participated in a nerve stimulation trial at the University of Nottingham, which showed remarkable results for 59% of participants. This compassionate and authentic drama masterfully blends moments of humour with darker times from John’s life. Heartbreaking, heartwarming and full of heart.