By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
In a heartfelt conversation with AMFM Magazine, director Kirk Jones and star Robert Aramayo opened up about their award-winning film I Swear — a deeply human story that turns misunderstanding into empathy, one unpredictable tic at a time.
The film, written and directed by Jones, chronicles the real-life experiences of John Davidson, MBE, a Scottish campaigner diagnosed with severe Tourette Syndrome at age 15 in 1980s Britain. What begins as a troubled adolescence marked by bullying, isolation, and a society that labeled him “insane” evolves into a powerful tale of resilience, advocacy, and finding one’s voice — literally and figuratively — against the odds.
Aramayo, who delivers a tour-de-force performance as the young John, recently made history at the 2026 BAFTAs. He became the first actor ever to win both Best Actor and the EE Rising Star Award in the same night, beating out heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. The film also earned a third BAFTA for Best Casting. Following its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, I Swear topped the UK box office, earned multiple BIFA nominations (including wins for Aramayo’s lead performance), and is now set for a nationwide U.S. theatrical release by Sony Pictures Classics on April 24, 2026.
During the interview, both Jones and Aramayo emphasized that the project was never intended as a “message movie” — it started simply as a compelling story. “I just wrote a story. We made a film about a story,” Jones shared. Yet the response has been profound: audiences connect with it as both entertaining cinema and a window into neurodiversity. “It might be helping them understand not just Tourette’s, but all neurodiverse conditions,” he noted.
Aramayo described the weight of portraying a living person. The pressure felt immense at first — “really, really scary” — but meeting John early in the process changed everything. “You can’t meet John and not think, wow, what an amazing man,” Aramayo said. “He’s so open, so knowledgeable… he was part of our family. He was involved in every level of the production.”
That collaboration extended to the performances themselves. Jones trusted Aramayo’s instincts completely, allowing room for improvisation because, as the director explained, Tourette’s is “like lightning” — unpredictable and impossible to script rigidly. Aramayo credited his co-stars — including Peter Mullan, Maxine Peake, and Shirley Henderson — for elevating his work: “When you work with legends, you work even harder.”
The film doesn’t shy away from the raw challenges of living with Tourette’s, including difficult scenes that demanded emotional depth from the entire cast. Yet its ultimate message is one of hope and humanity. Jones and Aramayo hope viewers walk away with greater understanding and respect: “Your normal might not necessarily be the same as everybody else’s normal.” They also want people to simply enjoy the experience — to laugh, feel moved, and perhaps leave the theater inspired to learn more.
At its core, I Swear celebrates the power of acceptance. John Davidson’s journey — from a teenager fighting for dignity to an MBE honoree recognized by the Queen for his advocacy — reminds us that true strength often lies in vulnerability and persistence. The film’s closing dedication says it best: the most powerful supports are education, understanding, and acceptance.
As I Swear prepares to reach American audiences this month, it arrives at a perfect moment — a crowd-pleasing, emotionally engaging story that entertains while gently expanding hearts and minds. Whether you’re drawn by the BAFTA buzz, the remarkable true story, or the chance to see breakout performances from a stellar British cast, this is one film that lingers long after the credits roll.
In theaters April 24, 2026. Go with friends, family, or anyone ready for a story that feels both deeply personal and universally human.
Interview excerpts courtesy of Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine.
