I Swear

2025 · I blink. I twitch. I jump. I click. I whistle. I shout.

4 out of 5 reels

Reviewed by Bart Hartgring

Biopics may be a dime a dozen these days, but they certainly don't all feel the same. If 2026's "Michael" was a shallow whitewashing of the beleaguered Jackson by means of showing highly selective segments of his life story to cash in on his fame, "I Swear" is probably the exact opposite kind of biopic.

John Davidson (Robert Aramayo) developed Tourette's syndrome in his early teens in the early 80s and spent much of his formative years being ridiculed, misunderstood, abused and attached by all around him - from random people in the streets to his friends, teachers and his family. He becomes an outcast and a bit of a recluse as he cannot trust himself to 'behave', even as he is on heavy medication.

When he meets an old friend he gets introduced to that friend's mother, Dottie (Maxine Peak), who used to work as a mental health nurse. She is possibly the first person in John's life who takes him seriously as a person and treats him as a normal human being. They develop a special bond and over time Dottie helps John find his independence. This of course comes with a variety of ups and downs along the way, and the movie does not shy away from these.

The central performance by Robert Aramayo as Joh, supported in particular by Maxine Peak as Dotti, is excellent. Despite all challenges, the movie deftly delivers a positive message of a real person's decades-long struggle turned victory, without being overly sappy or melodramatic. And despite its difficult topic, it is in the end a heartwarming watch, yet also one you will reflect on. A well-made movie and biopic, and certainly worth your time.