The Neurodivergent Experience

Hot Topic: "I Swear (2025)" – The Most Neuroaffirming Film We’ve Seen

Hosts: Jordan James & Simon Scott
Release Date: February 13, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan and Simon dive deep into the 2025 Scottish biographical film "I Swear." The hosts call it "the most neuroaffirming film we’ve seen," discussing its representation of Tourette's syndrome, its emotional impact, the importance of authentic neurodivergent storytelling, and its resonance within the broader neurodivergent community. The episode is a heartfelt, personal, and at times humorous exploration of how the film reflects not just individual but shared neurodivergent experiences.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introducing "I Swear" (03:05–04:03)

• The film centers on John Davis, a real-life person living with Tourette's, and traces his journey from childhood, through family upheaval, bullying, and misunderstanding, to becoming an advocate and public speaker.
• Nominated for multiple BAFTAs, but notably snubbed by the Oscars—sparking discussions on industry recognition for neurodivergent stories.

Personal Resonance and Shared Experiences (04:03–06:57)

• Simon opens up about his experience with both physical and verbal tics growing up, directly relating to John Davis' portrayal.
• Jordan: "It took me three hours to watch this movie because I had to keep pausing it." (05:37)
• The film authentically depicts being misunderstood, bullied, and facing institutional barriers—themes that strongly resonated with both hosts.
• The hosts express gratitude for seeing their neurodivergent community truthfully and sympathetically depicted on-screen.

Moments That Move & Hit Home (05:25–10:40)

• Memorable scene: John being mocked at school (05:28), causing emotional reactions for both hosts.
• Quote – Simon: “I must have cried like five times in this movie, dude.” (05:28)
• The relationship with Sylvia (played by Maxine Peak), who sees beyond John’s tics and believes in him, is celebrated as a turning point.
• Simon names this: "If you're in my house, you do not apologize for things you cannot control." (08:57) – Both hosts highlight this as the film’s emotional high point.

Humor, Acceptance, and Neuroaffirming Storytelling (07:21–08:39)

• Despite the heavy subject, the film is genuinely funny—showcasing self-acceptance rather than making fun of neurodivergence.
• Simon: “He's funny and he knows he's funny...instead of apologizing for it, he just embraces it and just goes, well, you know, fuck it.” (07:57)

Healing Through Representation & Community (10:27–12:20)

• Discussion of the "tick tennis" scene, where John meets another person with Tourette's for the first time—a moment filled with healing, humor, and recognition.
• Both hosts reflect on past familial struggles, being blamed for their tics, and internalized shame.
• Simon: "Everyone is literally just blaming him for everything. And I'm just like that. That is exactly like everyone was...it was always my fault. And I genuinely didn't understand what was happening." (10:57)

Emotional Catharsis & Unmasking (12:20–14:09)

• The film triggers resurfacing of old tics for both hosts, pushing them to examine past coping strategies and the act of “masking.”
• Jordan: “It made me think about how many tics I suppress in everyday life without even really thinking about it because I actually do have quite a lot of tics and I don't really acknowledge them a lot.” (12:59–13:55)

Parallels Between the Film & Hosts’ Lives (14:09–17:54)

• Hosts identify with John’s journey of channeling trauma and difference into helping others.
• Simon: "At least at the end of our movie, we've done something great. We made it count. ... I'm trying to help others not feel shitty. That's what this is. That's what our talks are. That's what my Facebook was about." (14:09–16:04)
• Jordan: “I saw you and I felt proud of you. But then I also felt proud of me as well watching it.” (16:04)
• Discussion around authentic versus performative acting and representation: “It’s acting...as long as he did it respectfully, as long as it was written respectfully, and it was, it was so neuro affirming.” (16:39)

Universal Themes: Neurodivergence, Othering, and Social Disability (18:15–20:33)

• The narrative's broader relevance: You could swap out Tourette's for any neurodivergence, or even other forms of “otherness” (sexuality, race, etc.).
• Simon: “A disability can be social disability...You become disabled because of them, not because of who you are.” (19:44)

Redemption & Growth (20:33–22:17)

• Noted moment: Characters apologize to John after realizing their misconceptions, reflecting real potentials for awareness and growth in society.
• Both hosts call for the film to win “Outstanding British Film of the Year,” expressing pride in UK cinema and critique of the Oscars’ snub.

The Importance of Authentic Representation (22:17–23:28)

• Robert Aramao’s portrayal of John Davis is commended for its authenticity.
• The film’s ripple effect: it’s more than just a story; it’s a catalyst for empathy and social change.
• Jordan: “There aren't a lot of films that you watch where you come away from it and it keeps you up at night and it changes you...This is one of those films.” (23:15)

Hopes for the Future, Call for Connection (23:28–24:45)

• Expressed wish to have John Davis as a future podcast guest.
• Call to action for listeners: Watch the film, share your experiences, and support authentic neurodivergent stories.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Simon: “I must have cried like five times in this movie, dude.” (05:28)
• Jordan: “It took me three hours to watch this movie because I had to keep pausing it.” (05:37)
• Simon: “If you're in my house, you do not apologize for things you cannot control.” (08:57)
• Jordan: “This is a film I think I will find myself coming back to watch again and again and again. I cannot think of a more neuro affirming film.” (17:54)
• Simon: “A disability can be social disability...You become disabled because of them, not because of who you are.” (19:44)
• Simon: “At least at the end of our movie, we've done something great. We made it count … I'm trying to help others not feel shitty. That's what this is. That's what our talks are.” (14:09–16:04)

Important Timestamps

• [03:05] – Introduction to “I Swear” and its BAFTA nominations
• [05:25] – Emotional recreation of specific school bullying scene
• [08:57] – “If you're in my house you do not apologize...” – Sylvia’s speech
• [10:27] – "Tick tennis" scene with another person with Tourette's
• [12:20] – Hosts discuss tics triggered by watching the film; reflection on masking
• [14:09–16:04] – Parallels between film’s ending and hosts’ advocacy
• [18:15–20:33] – Broader discussion of social disability and “othering”
• [20:43] – Apology scene with police officer
• [22:17] – Discussion of acting, authenticity, and BAFTA hopes
• [23:28] – Wish to invite John Davis to the podcast

Tone & Style

• Warm, candid, and emotionally honest
• A balance between humor and serious reflection
• Non-academic, conversational, filled with genuine admiration for the film and candid about personal struggles

Takeaways for Listeners

• “I Swear” is not just an important film for those with Tourette's but for anyone who has felt “othered.”
• The representation of neurodivergence in the film is authentic, affirming, and potentially transformative.
• Both hosts experienced a deep sense of validation and connection through the film, stressing the value and need for such stories in mainstream media.
• The episode ends with a call to watch the film, share feedback, and continue advocating for authentic neurodivergent representation.