Film: I Swear

A good old gritty Northern British drama based on a true story, I Swear ticks every box and is the film of the year so far.

Based on the real-life story of John Davidson (Scott Ellis Watson), who suddenly develops Tourette's as a teenager and whose life takes a nosedive. He loses his promising footballing career, the respect of his school teachers and mates and then his father leaves.

He spends the rest of his family life eating on the floor in front of the fire, where his mum banishes him for swearing and spitting at the dinner table. As an adult (now played by Robert Aramayo), a chance meeting with an understanding old school friend who has returned to live in the town changes things. It’s his friend's mum (Maxine Peake), a nurse who gives him the benefit of the doubt. In turn, she introduces him to Tommy, a local community centre caretaker whose heart is equally big, and he gives him a job as his assistant.

While John's challenges are far from over, having a new, supportive "family" around him helps him rebuild his confidence.

After this. John’s mother appears only occasionally, and none of the rest of his family seems to play a part in his life.

What hit home was that John is about the same age as me and his school severed ties when his behaviour suddenly changed. That could have been any of us. I Swear reminds me of Ken Loach films that shine a light on societal issues. This does that, except it is based on the true story of John Davidson from Galashiels..

8/10