An award-winning drama boasting a 100% rating which sparked controversy at the BAFTA ceremony has just landed on Netflix.
I Swear has been added to the streaming platform’s vast catalogue as of today (March 10).
Initially released in cinemas for a limited theatrical run last year, the production chronicles the real-life journey of John Davidson, who was raised with Tourette syndrome in 1980s Scotland.
The synopsis reveals he received his diagnosis at merely 15 years old and faced accusations of being ‘insane’ from his contemporaries. The production depicts his battles with a condition rarely understood at the time.
He ultimately transforms into an advocate working to raise public understanding and championing acceptance of Tourette’s in adulthood. He discovers his calling and received his MBE from the Queen in 2019.
Whilst the production presents a dramatised account of John’s experiences, he has featured in documentaries previously. He appeared in a BBC production back in 1988 and a documentary released in 2009 called I Swear I Can’t Help It, reports the Mirror.
The biographical film received overwhelmingly favourable reviews from critics following its release. Indeed, it maintains a flawless 100% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes.
Nevertheless, the film’s subject became embroiled in some controversy more recently. Whilst leading man Robert Aramayo secured the BAFTA for Best Actor for his performance, it wasn’t the most discussed moment of the evening.
The subject of the film John Davidson was also in attendance on the night. His presence became apparent to those watching from home initially as they heard some shouting during the programme.
Actor and host of The Traitors US Alan Cumming was presenting and he requested patience from the audience at the time. He told them during the show: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
However, on one occasion, whilst actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on the stage, a racial slur was shouted out by John and included on the BBC’s broadcast. It eventually led to the stream of the awards ceremony being removed from the iPlayer.
In an interview following the Baftas, Davidson has said the BBC should have “worked harder to prevent anything that I said” being broadcast. He added that he shouted about 10 different offensive words during Sunday’s ceremony as a result of his tics.
Some have argued that the incident only highlights the importance of the film itself. As one person posted online: “I Swear is an audacious biopic that has no issues tackling the roots of a serious topic, and its dedication to that task does lead to some scenes that will certainly be upsetting to some viewers.”
Another remarked: “Robert Aramayo delivers a fearless, deeply human performance in this compassionate biopic. I Swear balances humour and heartbreak whilst shedding light on Tourette syndrome, reminding us how much empathy society still owes.”
Whilst a third noted: “Honestly I left the cinema seriously thinking if I’d ever seen a better movie! It’s so perfect from the casting to the time jumps. It’s a beautiful written story that really captures the essence of what it is to be different and how hard it must be to live with Tourette’s. Several goosebumps moments with a lot of humour!”.
Another viewer stated: “This is a fabulous film which made me laugh and cry in equal measure. It captured the difficulties and complexities of living with Tourette’s syndrome with a startling level of authenticity. The acting was superb and I came out realising that I’d seen something very special. I’ll be thinking about it for weeks.”
I Swear is streaming on Netflix.
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