This week Dan and Reegs review I, Swear — the 2025 BAFTA-winning film about John Davidson, the Scotsman with Tourette's syndrome who became an MBE, an advocate, and one of the most compelling biographical subjects in recent cinema.
It's just the two of them this episode. There was also a hornet.
In this episode:
- The BAFTA ceremony controversy — what actually happened, why the internet got it wrong, and why the BBC's edit decision was indefensible
- John Davidson's story from 1983 Galashiels to an MBE at the Palace, in a film that is simultaneously hilarious and devastating
- Scott Ellis Watson's extraordinary debut performance as young John
- Why this film works when so many "inspirational" biopics don't
- Tommy — the elderly caretaker who becomes the father figure John never had
- Dottie — the woman who simply decided to accept him, no apologies required
- The drug mule scene ("half price heroin for sale")
- The library scene — why a man walking quietly through a library might be the best cinematic climax of the year
- The median nerve stimulation device and what it means for people living with Tourette's
- The real John Davidson footage over the credits — including his dog, who may be the most emotionally intelligent character in the whole film
Verdict: Strong recommend. Both dads in tears. Multiple times. Not ashamed.
Notes: Adult language throughout. This is a film about Tourette's. That should tell you everything you need to know going in.
Films/shows mentioned: I, Swear (2025), Sinners (2025 — Michael B. Jordan's Oscar win referenced)
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Until next time, we remain...
Bad Dads
