I Swear lives up to promise

Robin Holabird Reviews I SWEAR KUNR

The movie I Swear refers to cursing rather than making any promises, though it lives up to hype about the fine performances it offers. Coming from a background of small parts, Robert Aramayo shines in a role that won him the British equivalent of a Best Actor Oscar. He plays a real-life activist named John Davidson, an official MBE or Member of the British Empire. Writer-director Kirk Jones opens the story with that MBE presentation—made more impressive than usual because Davidson loudly announces in front of the queen that she should use the F-Word on herself. No one gets outraged, and events backtrack to previous years when teenage soccer talent Davidson found his professional playing hopes dashed by uncontrollable outbursts. Tourette Syndrome, as it turned out, a little recognized condition then, and one that still baffles medical experts. Physical and vocal tics along with inappropriate social behaviors define the syndrome and cause mayhem to the lives of sufferers like Davidson. Writer-director Jones diffuses the situation’s sadness by emphasizing empathy, humor, and the kind of educational awareness programs that led to Davidson’s MBE honor. With no mean bone in his body, Davidson’s out-of-line comments sometimes earn chuckles by revealing thoughts many of us would like to express. Aramayo nails his character’s inner turmoil and outer actions so believably it seems like producers lucked out by finding a real-life Tourette Syndrome person with acting skills, but no—the star researched his role and applied his talent to the part.  His performance makes a worthwhile

story even more compelling.