Ron’s Review

🌕 🌕 🌕 🌕

Very educational, touching, but harrowing. I was worried it would be hammy and melodramatic, but the performances felt very real, and empathetic.

The first act with a teenage Davidson is absolutely horrifying. I found it so tense what this young boy had to suffer. The film does get lighter and even funny later on, but there’s an undertone of sorrow throughout. Davidson can’t live a normal life, can’t be around a lot of people, and can’t have relationships. It’s only because of a tiny group of people who take him in just as he is that he has a life and community.

I would have liked more information about how the syndrome came on. From the film, it seems like it happened within days—he was fine and then he had the syndrome. I’d also like to know why Davidson refused to acknowledge Tourette’s as a disability. The film could have delved into that more.

But those are nitpicks. This was a very well-made film and moves very quickly. I’m glad I watched it.

Mon’s Review

🌕 🌕 🌕 🌕

When I realized the screening was for I Swear it took me a moment to warm to it, because of all the controversy surrounding the Baftas. But, once I got over that hurdle I was able to appreciate the film on its own merits.

The first segment of the film is harrowing to watch. It was tense and dark and stressful. But the creators smartly, and effortlessly, pivot to a lighter yet still realistic tone once protagonist Davidson gets older.

I don’t know how true to life the story is, but this was a moving and educational watch. Without being melodramatic or demeaning, we can see how trying the syndrome is for Davidson himself, and the resilience with which he and his small group of allies power through to give him some modicum of a normal life.

I was astounded by the performances. You could literally feel the exhaustion of Davidson constantly having to apologize for his actions and words. But it was the physicality of showing the exhaustion that really wowed me.

I’d argue that the film could have delved more into what Davidson shared with communities about the syndrome, because those teachings have helped his community in parts of the UK. For the people watching, this would have been even more educational.

All in all, I was impressed by the film. It was a measured, humorous and seemingly authentic representation of a condition that has been misunderstood for a long time.