Kirk Jones set out to achieve a modest goal with the film “I Swear.” While it wasn’t intended to be a blockbuster, the movie has seen significant success at the box office worldwide. Despite not aiming for awards, “I Swear” surprisingly took home three honors at the latest BAFTA Film Awards. And although it wasn’t specifically targeting Canadian theaters, the Tourette syndrome biopic received rave reviews at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is now making its Canadian theatrical debut.
Jones’ primary aim was to honor John Davidson, the Scottish man whose life the film revolves around. He also sought to create a film that would make the Tourette’s community proud, a goal that seems to have been achieved based on the positive reception.
The film chronicles Davidson’s journey from being diagnosed in childhood and facing social exclusion to eventually gaining cultural acceptance and being recognized by the Queen for his efforts in educating the public about Tourette syndrome. The central theme of the movie is to highlight that the tics caused by Tourette’s are involuntary and that the lack of understanding about the condition often leads to distress among others.
Jones has already received feedback on the film’s positive impact. Stories include a prison officer identifying Tourette’s in an inmate after watching the movie and a young boy with Tourette syndrome returning to soccer practice with newfound understanding from his teammates after they viewed the film.
Despite encountering challenges, such as convincing Davidson to trust him with his story and self-financing the film, Jones persevered to bring “I Swear” to fruition. The unexpected BAFTA win for Robert Aramayo’s portrayal of Davidson was a testament to the film’s success.
Following the film’s release, a controversial incident occurred at the BAFTA ceremony involving Davidson uttering a racial slur on stage. The oversight of leaving the slur in the broadcast sparked criticism and raised questions about Tourette’s representation and public perception.
Jones, while acknowledging the complexities of the situation, emphasized the film’s purpose of fostering understanding and compassion. He encouraged viewers to watch “I Swear” to gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette syndrome and promote empathy and awareness.
Davidson’s public apology addressed the impact of his tics and expressed a commitment to raising awareness about Tourette’s. Jones believes that by watching the film, audiences can develop a deeper understanding of the condition and the struggles faced by those living with it.
