Summary Collider's Steve Weintraub talks with Robert Aramayo and writer-director Kirk Jones for I Swear at TIFF 2025. I Swear tells the true story of activist John Davidson, highlighting his struggles growing up in the '80s with Tourette's Syndrome. Aramayo and Jones discuss working closely with Davidson to authentically develop tics and honor his life onscreen, Jones talks about balancing the tones and the structure of the movie, and Aramayo tries not to spoil Rings of Power Season 3.
In I Swear, The Rings of Power breakout Robert Aramayo portrays real-life Scottish activist, John Davidson, who's spent his life campaigning for more awareness around Tourette's Syndrome. Growing up in the '80s, Davidson was isolated by his condition, which at the time was widely unknown, and he suffered mistreatment from those around him. Now, from writer-director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee), this film aims to bring Davidson's story to the screen in an emotionally impactful way worthy of his accomplishments -- and a little humor (with Davidson's blessing).
In the movie, Jones takes us back to the early '80s, when a young Davidson (Scott Ellis Watson) started experiencing behaviors that are now known as tics. We journey through his life as he overcomes obstacles in a world unfamiliar and unkind to people with Tourette's Syndrome. The film got rave reviews at TIFF and is still at 100& on Rotten Tomatoes.
At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Collider's Steve Weintraub had the opportunity to sit down with Jones and Aramayo. In this interview, they discuss the movie's warm reception so far, how Aramayo approached his depiction of John, developing tics for the film, and working alongside Davidson for an authentic and faithful portrayal. In addition, Aramayo talked about how working with David Fincher on Mindhunter changed him as an actor. Check out the full conversation in the video above, indexed below.
00:21 - Jones talks about I Swear's positive reception 00:58 - What is the premise of I Swear? 01:28 - Aramayo discusses his approach to the role. 02:27 - The pair share how they developed John's tics throughout filming. 04:35 - Jones talks about discussing the film with the real John Davidson. 05:30 - Jones on the edit of the movie. 06:05 - Jones also shares the real John Davidson's reaction to the movie. 06:58 - Aramayo on attending TIFF for I Swear and Palestine 36. 07:36 - Jones explains his structural choices for I Swear. 09:14 - How did Aramayo prepare for his portrayal? 10:48 - Jones discusses bringing levity to I Swear's emotional story. 11:47 - Aramayo talks about his high-profile resume and working with David Fincher. 13:49 - Aramayo does his best to avoid The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power spoilers. 14:33 - Get to know Jones and Aramayo!
I Swear doesn't yet have North American distribution.
Special thanks to the partners Roxstar Entertainment and its Campari Cinema Center and Campari, who featured their signature festival red-carpet drinks, including the Campari Negroni and Campari Spritz. Also host venue, Discreta Toronto, and Oscar-winning visual effects (VFX) company, Rodeo FX, as well as Lavazza Coffee, Vellamo mineral water, Santa Carolina's Reserva Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, La Vieille Ferme Rosé and La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut Sparkling, Peroni beer, and food catering by Miss Ivy Toronto @Cinemactr.
I Swear Like Follow Followed Drama History Release Date October 10, 2025 Runtime 120 minutes Director Kirk Jones Writers Kirk Jones Producers Piers Tempest Cast See All Robert Aramayo John Davidson Maxine Peake Dottie Achenbach Shirley Henderson Heather Davidson Peter Mullan Tommy Trotter
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