I Swear

By Joanna Langfield

This biography, ostensibly about one man’s sad journey with Tourette’s Syndrome, is also very much about enlightenment and compassion. And it just about wrecked me.

Based on the true life story of Scottish man John Davidson, who was diagnosed with the much misunderstood condition in his teens, filmmaker Kirk Jones keeps the years long events moving along, not letting us divert our attention with pretty filmmaking tricks or gimmicks. We watch as Davidson finds himself mystified by uncontrollable ticks and bursts of unfiltered reactions, often accompanied by what is deemed as offensive language. Most people seem to not know what to do with him. And then he meets a nurse who does. And John’s life begins to change.

There’s a fine collection of actors at work here, but no one can touch what Robert Aramayo brings to the role, not just with the physical manifestations of a disease he does not have, but with the psychological ones as well. His John is a troubled young man, but he is not without charm and intelligence. Encouraged to work for a more informed and understanding public view of the disease he shares with others, John creates a life of purpose and importance. But it is Aramayo’s carefully calibrated performance that makes us see through the off putting veneer and make us remember that people who may not present the way we do not only have value but can bring joy into the world as well. It’s a beautiful message and beautiful performance.