Director: Kirk Jones
Starring: Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, Peter Mullan, Scott Ellis Watson
Certificate: 15
Run Time: 120 mins

I Swear is a biographical drama that’s based on the true story of John Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome when the disorder wasn’t widely recognised. Davidson lives in Galashiels in Scotland in a working class family and the film follows his unconventional childhood at school through to how he navigates adult life. It’s directed by Kirk Jones, best known for making Waking Ned and Nanny McPhee.

Like Jones’s previous films, I Swear has the same feel-good and infectiously upbeat spirit about it – it may tread familiar biopic territory but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t riveted from start to finish. Jones’s script is full of energy and there’s plenty of laughs to be had – but they are crucially always with the characters rather than at them. The director also doesn’t neglect to include some wince-inducing moments of some of the difficult situations Davidson faces to keep his story grounded – this film really gets you in the feels with its three-dimensional characters.

Robert Aramayo is sensational as the Tourette’s sufferer, who is otherwise a down-to-earth young man who just wants to fit in – this is a far cry from his Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power days. Maxine Peake is also brilliant as Dottie, the mother of one of John’s friends and a former mental health nurse, who takes him under her wing. Shirley Henderson’s reliably excellent as Davidson’s mother, who is clearly stressed out by John’s situation and Peter Mullan shines as Tommy, a caretaker who gives John a job at a local community centre.

Although some may say the film sticks to a somewhat conventional biopic formula, I loved I Swear. It gets the tone just right – compassionate, but never pandering – and the performances are across the board. This is a film that reminds you that people can be good and I guarantee you’ll be leaving the cinema with a smile plastered on your face.