I Swear (2025)

I Swear (2025) was a very thoughtful, sensitive and at times, heartbreaking film. Our discussion centred on values. We talked about the importance of understanding those with Tourette’s Syndrome and invisible disabilities.

We all agreed that Robert Aramayo deserved his Best Actor BAFTA. He was a “warm and empathetic” actor.

We appreciated the importance of the selfless Dottie (Maxine Peake) in John Davidson’s life – “she saved him” said one member of the group. She valued his honesty about her cancer diagnosis and her life limitation. He was given a fresh outlook, understanding that his swearing didn’t mean that he was bad. There was also sympathy in our group for his mother, played by Shirley Henderson, who found his difficulties too hard to take.

It’s a hard film to watch in places and one of our discussion group hadn’t expected to see it twice. However, she found more understanding second time around, as she wasn’t amused and surprised by the swearing.

The fact that John Davidson was later able to go out and educate people about Tourette’s, despite his own emotional challenges, was extraordinary. His MBE was well deserved (and the ceremony gives a great start to the film). It’s draining for people with Tourette’s to constantly apologise for their uncontrollable outbursts.

A few of us had some experience of people with Tourette’s. Social media has given more exposure to the rare condition, in one way highlighting and raising awareness, in another, accentuating the shock value for clicks. Some felt concerned that by talking more about their condition, it could make those with Tourette’s more vulnerable.

We moved onto the theme of accessibility. The library scene made us realise how difficult a space like that would be for someone with Tourette’s. We heard that Quebec and San Francisco had enlightened attitudes about the condition. A short showed the importance of music for those with Tourette’s – for some, their tics and outbursts disappeared when they sang. Fascinating.

I Swear “took our attitudes and shook them up” said one member of the group.

Anne