Sony Pictures Classics will release the compassionate, comical, and compelling biographical drama, I Swear, in nationwide theaters this April 24.
Directed, written, and produced by Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, and the upcoming live action adaptation of Mr. Benn), the film explores the life of John Davidson, MBE, the prominent Tourette Syndrome activist. Davidson first entered the public eye as the subject of the landmark 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which challenged widespread misconceptions about the condition.
The film features a standout performance by Robert Aramayo (“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”, “Game of Thrones”, The Empty Man) as Davidson, supported by a fantastic ensemble cast including Maxine Peake (Funny Cow, The Theory of Everything), Shirley Henderson (The Trouble with Jessica, Glenrothan), and Peter Mullan (Trainspotting, My Name Is Joe, Session 9). Scott Ellis Watson also makes a superb screen debut as the young Davidson.
I Swear arrived to critical acclaim during its awards circuit run, securing five BAFTA nominations and earning Aramayo the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. As of this writing, the film boasts a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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The feature follows Davidson from his diagnosis at the age of 14, as he navigates the social and personal hurdles of 1980s Britain. It offers a sensitive, clear-eyed look at a misunderstood condition and Davidson’s determined pursuit of a ‘normal’ life against profound isolation and a relentless barrage of social stigma and systemic misunderstanding.
In celebration of the theatrical release, CinemaChords spoke with Jones and Aramayo about the responsibility of translating Davidson’s life to the screen, the physical and emotional demands of the role, and the film’s potential to further the activism Davidson has championed for decades.
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