I Swear

I Swear Review: A hysterically emotional look into Tourette's

Brighton Nelson

08 Apr 2026 — 5 min read

As usual, I showed up at my local Regal for the Monday secret screening. And, as often happens for me at my theater, it was again wrongfully displayed that this would be a horror movie. Totally happy it wasn't that, though, don't get me wrong, because what I got was even better. I Swear is a film that follows John Davidson, a guy with Tourette's, as he grows up and lives his life with the condition. Was this film an incredible new hit, or was it just a solid movie? That's what I will be discussing in today's Reel Ranker review. Thank you so much for joining me today, and I hope you enjoy!

One amazing mom, one mom that's doing her best, both awesome characters.

As usual, I'll start with the negatives and then move into the good. The only notable complaint I have with this film is that the ending feels a little too rushed. It feels like the film's most inspiring elements are handled a little unceremoniously at the very end. The film could've used another 15 to 20 minutes to flesh it all out.

That's all the negative ammo I've got, though, because this film is brilliant! First of all, the story here is just so phenomenal. It's a slice-of-life story with many important moments stitched together as you go through the majority of his life, from his birth in 1971 to 2023. However, since the story and editing are so well done, it feels like it hits practically every note perfectly. Every possible thing that I would imagine is really painful about having Tourette's?

They're explored in great detail here. This film beautifully displays how Tourette's works, and how they're still awesome people to be around. The film perfectly balances the difficulty and heartbreak while remaining funny enough to rank as the funniest film I've watched this year, rivaled only by They Will Kill You. It explores the theme that those who are hurting shouldn't have to assimilate to a cruel society; instead, everyone should come together to change society to better serve those in greatest need of help.

The film's performances are just as great as the story. Every person involved perfectly captures the energy of their characters, from Robert Ayamayo as the incredible lead role to Maxine Peak, who's almost just as amazing a character as John, and his estranged mom, played by Shirley Henderson, who always makes me laugh because the way I've know her the longest is for her infuriatingly obnoxious supporting role in the sixth episode of Season 1 of Death in Paradise.

She was obviously very good at being annoying since I remember her for that, but she's a great actress who can really bring a lot to her roles! With so much personality and realism in the cast, everyone gives supremely emotional performances that are neither too melodramatic nor too subdued (see: Sentimental Value). Any of these performers here could win an Oscar, and I'd be down with it, and the same with the picture itself. Honestly, this might be one of the films I campaign for Best Picture the most by the end of the year.

The Reel Ranker Verdict

Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 96%
Letter Score: S+
Star Ranking: 5 out of 5

I Swear is one of those rare films that leaves you feeling transformed by its conclusion. It wonderfully explores Tourette's syndrome with all the holistic humor, hard-to-watch heartbreak, and heartwarming hilarity that comes with the inspiring life story of John Davidson.

Interested in another film like this that I loved? Check it out below!