I, Swear (2025): Why Robert Aramayo Deserves a BAFTA Nomination

Over the past twenty years, it’s often felt like the British film industry has been hanging by a thread. As someone who’s English born and raised, with Scottish descent, it’s been disheartening to see the decline in homegrown stories that feel genuinely British in both spirit and identity.

Thankfully, I, Swear has given me hope again. It’s a small, independent British drama that’s been quietly gaining attention among film fans in the UK — and after seeing it, I understand why.

The film follows John Davidson (Robert Aramayo), a man who develops Tourette syndrome as a child and spends much of his life learning how to live with it in a time when the condition wasn’t properly recognised. Through Davidson’s story, we see the personal and social challenges he faces, not just from the condition itself but from the world’s misunderstanding of it.

What makes I, Swear so effective is its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on spectacle or sentimentality — it just tells a great story from start to finish. It’s grounded, emotionally rich, and manages to avoid feeling either overly grim or melodramatic. The final act even carries a hopeful tone, though the film does flirt with what I’d call the Return of the King effect — having several moments where it feels like it could end, before continuing. Even so, it remains emotionally powerful throughout.

The portrayal of Tourette’s is handled with a level of respect and authenticity that’s rare. It never feels exploitative or exaggerated for dramatic effect. Aramayo’s performance feels lived-in and genuine — so much so that it’s easy to forget you’re watching an actor.

Robert Aramayo gives what I would call the best leading performance of the year. He completely disappears into the role, capturing both the vulnerability and resilience of John Davidson. Having previously seen him as a young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones (Season 6), it’s incredible to see him step into a leading role and deliver something this nuanced.

The supporting cast adds further depth. Maxine Peake shines in what I’d call the film’s second-best performance, while Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan — both familiar faces to Harry Potter fans — offer strong supporting turns. Still, this is Aramayo’s film through and through, and everyone else supports him beautifully.

Kirk Jones deserves major credit for both writing and directing I, Swear. His direction is understated yet confident — letting the performances and the story breathe without ever feeling static. The cinematography captures moments of quiet beauty, the editing keeps the pacing smooth, and the score enhances the emotion without overdoing it.

It’s unlikely I, Swear will make much noise at the Oscars, but I truly hope it finds love at the BAFTAs. Robert Aramayo’s performance alone deserves recognition, and the BAFTAs have a stronger track record of celebrating smaller, independent British films like this one.

Ultimately, I, Swear feels like one of those rare British films that will stand the test of time — a deeply human, beautifully made piece of cinema that reminds us why stories like this matter.

Verdict: I, Swear is a must-see. Its storytelling, respectful depiction of Tourette’s, heartfelt direction, and a career-defining performance from Robert Aramayo make it one of the best dramas I’ve seen in years.

Rating: ⭐ 5/5 — 10/10

What did you think?

Change Image

• Loved it
• Hated it
• So/So