In her I Swear review, Lisa Johnson Mandell says it’s the kind of film that can make a better person of you, with a fuller understanding of the human condition. What could be better than that?

I know, I know, if you’re like me, when you see the title of this much awarded biopic, the smooth harmonies of All-4-One start playing in your head, and while you can’t get them out, they don’t exactly entice you to see the film. You’ll be relieved to know that I Swear is a rich, sometimes cheeky film that just might make you a better person.

I Swear tells the story of John Davidson, who grew up in Scotland in the 80’s and who, at age 15, was randomly stricken by Tourette Syndrome, a neurological disorder that can cause sudden unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds called tics.

In milder cases, it can cause repetitive head, face and body movements, nods, blinks, grimaces and/or jerking, shrugging or tapping motions. In extreme cases, the vocal tics may involve uncontrollable swearing and extremely offensive slurs, observations and threats.

I Swear review: Davidson is in good company

These days there’s a greater public understanding of the condition, as celebrities including Billy Eilish, Seth Rogan, David Beckham and Dan Aykroyd have admitted to dealing with it.

But in Scotland in the 1980’s when much of the film takes place, the country was not known for its societal enlightenment. Homosexuality was not decriminalized there until 1980, if you can believe it. As vividly depicted in the film, Davidson was shamelessly abused beaten, harassed, expelled, arrested and suffered myriad other indignations. Even his parents failed to understand him.

Legal and law enforcement agencies hadn’t yet clued in, and Davidson suffered, oh how he suffered! Audiences feel his pain, thanks to the stellar performance of Robert Aramayo, whom you may have seen as Elrond on the streaming series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power or as Young Ned in Game of Thrones.

One of the most distressing aspects of the syndrome, which is well-covered in the film, is that there is no real cure. Some symptoms may be controlled by drugs, many of which have very unwelcome side effects. Heart rending choices must be made, and they are treated with artful sensitivity in the film.

For all that Davidson suffered, he was able to move forward and help others like him, organizing events and campaigning for better understanding and acceptance of Tourettes. It’s not a spoiler (it’s where the film begins) to reveal that in 2019, the Queen made him an official Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, one of the country’s greatest honors. He continues in his efforts today.

Director Kirk Jones (Waking Ned Divine, Nanny McPhee) has made an extremely moving film that was nominated for five BAFTA Awards and won three, among them for Best Leading Actor—Robert Aramayo famously beat nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.

While it’s not a riveting epic or a grand artistic vision, I Swear is the kind of movie that can have a powerful effect on viewers, and can fill the heart. You’ll leave the theater feeling satisfied and thoughtful, with a greater understanding of your fellow man. That is indeed a great gift, one I’d encourage you to accept.

Rated R

2 Hours 1 Minute

If this I Swear review encourages you to saunter over to the theater to have a look, get times and tickets on Fandango.com.

In her I Swear review, Lisa Johnson Mandell says it’s the kind of film that can make a better person of you, with a fuller understanding of the human condition. What more could you want?