Chloe McDermott

I swear is a film that tells the true story of John Davidson, who as a teenager living in the borders of Scotland in the 80s, developed Tourette’s syndrome.

This is deeply touching and heartfelt film that will move you on deep level. When I went into the film, I knew nothing about John or his work to raise awareness, educate and help others with Tourette’s. I walked out with not only a deeper understanding of John himself but a brand new and intimate perspective of Tourette’s. It is this experience I believe many of the film’s audience will also walk away with.

I feel strongly that this is an important film that will give a more intimate look into how Tourette’s syndrome actually is to live with. For myself, I hadn’t thought much about how it was only very recently that people have became more widely aware of Tourette’s. I hadn’t thought about how in the 80’s children who misbehaved in school were still given the belt. Thus, affecting those with Tourette’s as they are misconstrued as troublemakers.

The scenes made me confront something uncomfortable and raw. The empathy in me felt extremely protective of young John because of course we know he can’t help it. We feel that sting of injustice as we are rooted to our cinema seats.

I believe there are many things this film does well to achieve this emotional and perspective shifting experience. The acting from Robert Aramayo who plays the adult John Davidson does an incredible job of portraying the disability on screen. On top of which I believe above all else, his characterisation of John as a man trying to make a normal life for himself in a world that brutally misjudges him. This alongside other performances that show a wide range of reactions to John’s tics make for an extremely compelling watch.

The film often uses humour too. Often humour that feels authentic, earned and not at all making fun of the disability. If the film was devoid it, it would make the experience unwatchable and bleak. More importantly however it would do a major disservice to the overall message of the film. Often media that portray stories of disability will rely on bleak pity, “trauma porn” or “inspiration porn”. These films are often criticised by those living with disabilities as patronising or turning them into a freakshow. However, when we see John on screen making light of his tics and others around him laughing with him and not at him, we as an audience can feel it. We can see this contrast as important part of his journey into self-acceptance.

Ultimately the message of the film being to encourage a self-reflection often asking the audience to address misconceptions or discomfort when interacting with those with disabilities. It shows john as a person. A person mistreated by a world who at first refused to acknowledge his condition as real. Often painting him as monstrous or freakish for simply existing. Whether it’s Tourette’s or some other disability John’s story reminds us that ultimately these are people wanting to chart their own course with as much autonomy as possible. That ultimately this desire is something that can unite us all.

Overall, I believe this film tells this true story with sincerity and heart. It will leave a lasting impact on its audience and become a reference point in the future. It will continue John’s mission to educate others on Tourette’s and encourage those with the condition to find each other to build community. The audience will empathise deeply with his story and throughout the runtime be taken along on a journey where we are watching him grow into self – acceptance and advocacy. I really believe this film is a must watch and highly recommend it. Just remember to bring tissues.