Tourette’s Syndrome Biopic: John Davidson Story with Robert Aramayo | Standard
- The British actor has been named the next EE Rising Star at the British Academy Film Awards, a prestigious honor recognizing emerging talent.
- I Swear, released in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2025, tells the true story of John Davidson, a Scottish man living with Tourette’s syndrome.
- The film’s director, Kirk Jones, approached the project with a deep sense of responsibility, aiming for authenticity without sacrificing accessibility.
Robert Aramayo is poised for a major breakthrough moment. The British actor has been named the next EE Rising Star at the British Academy Film Awards, a prestigious honor recognizing emerging talent. The announcement comes as Aramayo’s profile is rapidly ascending, fueled by his leading role in I Swear, a critically acclaimed biopic that’s already garnered significant awards attention, including a BAFTA nomination.
I Swear, released in the United Kingdom on , tells the true story of John Davidson, a Scottish man living with Tourette’s syndrome. The film focuses on Davidson’s life following the groundbreaking 1989 television documentary John’s Not Mad, a pivotal moment in raising awareness about the condition. Aramayo portrays Davidson, navigating the challenges of living with a neurological disorder often misunderstood by society.
The film’s director, Kirk Jones, approached the project with a deep sense of responsibility, aiming for authenticity without sacrificing accessibility. Producer Piers Tempest, who has over 30 films to his credit, shared that he immediately responded positively to Jones’s vision. Tempest, who also has personal connections to Tourette’s through family members, emphasized the importance of telling Davidson’s story “in a commercial way without dumbing it down.” He also acknowledged the weight of responsibility felt towards both Davidson and the wider Tourette’s community.
The journey to bring I Swear to the screen wasn’t without its hurdles. According to Tempest, there was initial resistance to including the involuntary vocalizations and tics characteristic of Tourette’s, with concerns raised about the film’s commercial viability. “We were told to take swearing out of Tourette’s film to make it commercial,” Tempest revealed. However, the filmmakers remained committed to portraying the condition accurately and respectfully.
Aramayo’s performance has been central to the film’s success. Interestingly, Jones did not even ask Aramayo to audition for the role. This unconventional approach speaks to the director’s confidence in the actor’s abilities and his understanding of the nuanced performance required. Aramayo is supported by a strong ensemble cast including Peter Mullan, Maxine Peake, and Shirley Henderson, with Scott Ellis Watson making his acting debut as a young John Davidson.
I Swear premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, generating early buzz and critical acclaim. The film’s exploration of Davidson’s life, from his childhood aspirations of becoming a footballer to the challenges he faced as his condition became more apparent, resonates with audiences. The narrative depicts a young John experiencing tics and echolalia, leading to a difficult encounter with a head teacher who resorts to physical punishment. This incident, along with the social stigma surrounding his condition, significantly impacts his life and family dynamics.
The film’s box office performance has been solid, grossing $8.2 million worldwide to date. Beyond the financial success, I Swear has sparked important conversations about Tourette’s syndrome, challenging misconceptions and promoting greater understanding. The film’s BAFTA nomination and Aramayo’s Rising Star award further amplify its impact.
The EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public and BAFTA members, has a strong track record of identifying future stars. Previous winners include actors like Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, and Florence Pugh. Aramayo’s selection signals a significant moment in his career and positions him as one to watch in the coming years.
Aramayo’s upcoming projects remain largely under wraps, but the momentum generated by I Swear and the recognition from BAFTA are sure to open doors to a wider range of opportunities. The film, produced by Tempo Productions and One Story High and distributed by StudioCanal, represents a significant achievement for independent filmmaking and a powerful testament to the importance of telling authentic stories.
The success of I Swear also highlights the growing demand for biographical dramas that shed light on untold stories and challenge societal norms. The film’s sensitive and nuanced portrayal of Tourette’s syndrome, coupled with Aramayo’s compelling performance, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary cinema.