Alex Cann’s weekly film blog - Thursday 25th September 2025

A couple of decent films this week, starting with A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey. It follows the whimsical adventures of Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell (Sarah and David), both eligible singles, but seemingly afraid of commitment. That’s until circumstances throw them together at a wedding.

When Sarah’s rental car breaks down, she shares a lift with David, and the GPS comes to life, directing them through a number of doors to confront episodes in their past lives. If you suspend logic and disbelief, this is a wholesome, enjoyable, dreamlike story. Sarah initially asks David to marry her, to which he responds after some consideration: “You’ve destroyed some men, haven’t you?”. Will their visits to an old lighthouse, art gallery, school play and other important moments in their life story so far ultimately lead them to falling for each other, or will their aversion to settling down win out?

One review describes this film as “laden with schmaltz”, whilst another accuses it of having all the emotional impact of an Instagram quote. Whilst it didn’t move me to tears, as was perhaps its intention in some emotive scenes, I thought the bit featuring Margot Robbie’s character rebuilding things with her late mum was sweet, and both actors had convincing chemistry. Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Kevin Kline, who run the car rental agency which hires out ancient ‘90s Saturn motors, play fun characters, and whilst I can see why this film might have divided opinion, I thought it was a fun ride. I don’t think it deserves its lowly Rotten Tomatoes score. Life is a series of moments. This is worth a couple of hours of your time.

Meanwhile, I Swear follows the true story of Scotland’s John Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome when he was still at school, and became the relucant poster boy for the condition. It causes sufferers to spasm, twitch and jerk, and in John’s case, shout out highly inappropriate things in social situations.

Kirk Jones, the film’s writer and director, told the BBC: “I really hope that this film can make people think twice about giving people space, giving them time, having patience with people who aren’t exactly like you are”.

The film opens with John about to receive an MBE from the Queen, petrified of shouting out a swear word in front of our monarch. We are taken back through his life so far, from being forced to face the fireplace whilst eating his dinner to getting into a fight the first time his friend Murray takes him to a nightclub. It’s funny, upsetting, heartwarming and unflinching in its portrayal of Tourette’s. I guarantee you’ll leave the cinema with a better understanding of the condition, and that is the film’s superpower. Maxine Peake and Peter Mullan are highlights, but I’ll reserve the highest praise for Robert Aramayo. A cracking soundtrack too, and an authentic story of a life struggle helped by the kindness of a couple of strangers. You’d be ******* mad to miss this one. Out 10th October.