2026’s Best Movie Finally Gets Its Rotten Tomatoes Score (and It’s Not ‘Project Hail Mary’)

The British film I Swear has received strong praise from critics and is now officially “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with a 97% score based on 114 reviews.

The movie is directed, written, and produced by Kirk Jones. It tells the true story of John Davidson, a Scottish man living with severe Tourette syndrome. His life was previously featured in the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad.

The lead role is played by Robert Aramayo, with supporting performances from actors including Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, and Peter Mullan. A younger version of the main character is played by Scott Ellis Watson in his first acting role.

The film first premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It was later released in the United Kingdom by StudioCanal in October 2025. Since its release, it has gained a strong reputation with both critics and awards bodies.

Reviewers have highlighted the emotional impact of the story and the performances, especially Aramayo’s role as John Davidson. Some critics described the film as both funny and moving, while also respectful in how it handles a serious medical condition.

One reviewer described the film’s effect by saying, “the kind of simple yet important film that can have a powerful impact on viewers and give them a better understanding of and appreciation for humanity.”

Another critic wrote, “Frank, funny and uplifting, I SWEAR is a delightful biopic…” while also praising Aramayo’s performance.

The film has also been recognized during awards season, receiving multiple nominations at the British Academy Film Awards. It won two awards, including Best Actor for Aramayo.

Many reviews also point out that the film balances humor with emotional depth, while still focusing on real-life struggles. It has been described as both educational and heartfelt, with a clear focus on raising awareness about Tourette syndrome.

It’s not often that a biographical film manages to earn both strong critical praise and meaningful audience impact at the same time. The high score suggests it connected well with reviewers, but the real test is how widely it reaches general audiences. What do you think about films like this? Do you prefer serious true-story dramas or more fictional stories? Share your thoughts in the comments.