In I Swear, John Davidson (Scott Ellis Watson) gets diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 15 while living in Scotland with his mother, Heather (Shirley Henderson), who doesn't understand his disorder. His frustrated father, David (Steven Cree), left him and his mother when he was 12 and started showing signs of Tourette's. At the age of 25, John (now played by Robert Aramayo) still struggles to fit into society. He meets a former classmate, Murray (Francesco Piacentini-Smith), whose mother, Dotty (Maxine Peake), a mental health nurse, agrees to take care of him. She helps him to find a job at a community center working for Tommy (Peter Mullan), the caretaker. Writer/director Kirk Jones has made a sweet, tender, and funny emotional journey that's based on a true story. The screenplay hooks the audience from the very first scene, where an older version of John curses at Queen Elizabeth as she's about to honor him with an MBE. The film then flashes back to John at the age of 12. His life does have its fair share of tragic moments, including a suicide attempt and all of the bullying that he had experienced from others who put him down for his disorder. He's lucky to have met Murray and his mother, Dotty, who's kind, compassionate, and patient, even when he snaps at her. His mother isn't portrayed as a good parent, but she's not a villain either; she's just someone who lacks skills, awareness,and patience to deal with John's disorder. Dotty becomes his surrogate mother, while Tommy becomes a surrogate father.

       Writer/director Kirk Jones grasps the concept that comedy is often rooted in tragedy. He balances the heartbreaking moments with just the right amount of comic relief. You'll laugh one minute and cry the next. He also doesn't judge John nor does he ask the audience to; he just wants the audience to experience him and, above all, to empathize with him. John is a character who's complex and flawed, but also likeable and relatable.

       Robert Aramayo gives a breakthrough performance that opens the window into John's heart, mind and soul. It's an emotionally generous performance that captures John's vulnerability along with his courage, compassion and determination. Prepare to be inspired as you watch John gradually embrace the wisdom behind Pablo Neruda's poem: "They can cut all of the flowers, but they can't stop the spring from coming." I Swear is ultimately a crowd-pleasing delight that earns its uplift. It's a triumph that manages to be warm, wise and wonderful. At a running time of 2 hours, I Swear is one of the best British films in years. It opens in select theaters nationwide via Sony Pictures Classics.