"I Swear" (2025) has grown from a modest, low-budget biographical drama into a genuine cultural moment. Its breakout success at the 2026 BAFTAs, combined with its unflinching challenge to common myths about Tourette’s syndrome, has turned it into one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Below is our guide to how to watch "I Swear" online from anywhere using a VPN – potentially for free.
In the UK, you’ve got two straightforward options. You can rent or buy it now on a premium video-on-demand service. Or, if you don’t mind waiting a little, it’s set to land on Netflix UK and Ireland on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, where it’ll be included with your existing Netflix subscription.
• U.K. — Prime Video/YouTube/Apple TV/Google Play (Netflix 10 March)
• U.S. — Prime Video:
• Watch Prime anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
The film is based on the life of John Davidson MBE, a Scottish campaigner whose story first hit national headlines in the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad. Set mainly in 1980s Galashiels, the film captures a time when Tourette’s was barely understood, leaving John isolated, frequently abused, and dismissed as “insane” or deliberately disruptive.
The drama follows his journey from struggling teenager to global advocate, leading to his 2019 MBE for services to the Tourette’s community. Around 30 cast members actually live with Tourette’s, giving the film a rare authenticity.
Once a quiet UK sleeper hit, it’s now a full-blown phenomenon. A three-BAFTA sweep, including Robert Aramayo’s record-breaking double win, has shaken up Oscar forecasts and turned I Swear into a potential modern British classic, and a powerful catalyst for broader neurodiversity awareness.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to stream "I Swear" online right now, plus the easiest way to keep watching if you’re traveling.
Watch 'I Swear' from anywhere
If you are travelling and your usual streaming apps are blocked, a VPN (virtual private network) can make your device appear to be back home, so you can use your existing subscriptions while abroad.
We have tested many services, and NordVPN is the pick Tom’s Guide typically recommends for speed, reliability, and broad device support. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with minimal risk.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're outside the U.S. but want to watch the show as usual, you'd select a U.S. server from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Open Netflix UK and search for “I Swear” to start streaming the steamy thriller.
Watch 'I Swear' in the UK
If you want to watch the BAFTAs Tourettes film immediately, the cheapest UK rental is on YouTube (£3.49) or Google Play. If picture quality is your priority, Apple TV lists a 4K rental at £5.49.
If you are happy to wait, "I Swear" is scheduled to arrive on Netflix UK and Ireland on March 10, 2026.
If you’re outside the U.K. and can’t access your usual library, a VPN like NordVPN can help you sign in and watch as normal.
'I Swear' trailer
'56 Days' cast (TV show)
- Robert Aramayo: Adult John Davidson
- Scott Ellis Watson: Young John Davidson
- Maxine Peake: Dottie Achenbach
- Shirley Henderson: Heather Davidson
- Peter Mullan: Tommy Trotter
- Andrea Bisset: Lucy
Is 'I Swear' a true story?
Yes. It’s a biographical drama based on the life of John Davidson MBE, the Scottish campaigner who became the “poster boy” for Tourette’s syndrome after the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad.
Does the lead actor actually have Tourette's?
No. Lead actor Robert Aramayo does not have Tourette’s. Director Kirk Jones has said that while they considered casting someone with tics, the unpredictable nature of the condition made it impossible to reliably “summon” the specific tics needed for key scripted moments.
Why is the movie rated 15?
The 15 rating mainly comes down to the very strong language, including involuntary swearing (coprolalia) that’s part of the condition itself, along with some brief violence and sex references.
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