Scottish Activist John Davidson’s Life Story Hits Cinemas Today

A new film, I Swear, premiered in UK cinemas today, October 9, 2025, chronicling the life of John Davidson, a Scottish activist from Galashiels who has lived with Tourette syndrome since his teens.

The film portrays Davidson’s experiences navigating a life marked by involuntary tics, compulsive behaviors, and vocal outbursts, including instances of being bullied, physically assaulted, and wrongly accused. It follows his journey from a schoolboy receiving corporal punishment for his symptoms, as played by Scott Ellis Watson, to adulthood, portrayed by Robert Aramayo, and his eventual recognition with an MBE in 2019 for his advocacy work. Davidson has consistently maintained that Tourette’s is “not a disability,” sparking discussion about the definition and categorization of neurological conditions.

I Swear also features performances from Shirley Henderson, Maxine Peake, and Peter Mullan, and explores themes of overdiagnosis related to conditions like ADHD and autism. A particularly poignant scene depicts Davidson connecting with others who share his condition, finding catharsis in a shared experience of vocal tics. The film’s release comes as awareness and understanding of Tourette syndrome continues to grow, challenging societal stigmas and promoting inclusivity. You can learn more about the Tourette Association of America and available resources.

The film notably includes a recounted incident where Davidson impulsively shouted “Fuck the queen!” just before receiving his MBE, a moment contrasted with his genuine pride in the honor. The film will be released in Australian cinemas on November 8. Officials have stated they hope the film will encourage open conversations about neurological differences and the importance of support networks, as detailed in NHS guidance on Tourette’s Syndrome.