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Which activities do clergy members do in their own spare time? Recently, I went accompanied by two companions, both fellow vicars, to view the recently released movie titled I Swear. Based on the preview, I understood that the film centered on a person diagnosed with Tourette's. What the author had not understand turned out to be the fact this story was based on a real person: the subject, who appeared in an earlier late eighties program who later earned a British Empire Medal in recognition of their work to educate people about this syndrome as well as help those affected.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Before this film, many individuals did not known about TS. Nearly four decades afterwards, most individuals generally knows the basics, but it’s still seen as comic material – notably within comedy shows.

Based on the trailer, it appeared that the film was going to try to walk a fine line through both leveraging the clear funny moments from someone shouting socially awkward things at inopportune times and attempting to further Davidson’s mission in promoting understanding in a tactful and considerate approach. It is hoped it’s not revealing too much to say it managed in both aspects – but naturally I only knew that after watching.

A Startling Cinema Experience

When the feature was starting, a young man seated in front from us unexpectedly yelled a series of curse words. At first, it seemed it was a joke – albeit a joke highly inappropriate. Yet, it was soon evident that this was an actual individual experiencing Tourette's: a teenager alongside a parent.

While the movie unfolded, so did the boy – and there was no visible intervention by either his father nor anyone in the theater. This led to somewhat conflicted. Undoubtedly, it was a significant event for the boy and his father to see their certainly very tough existence portrayed on the big screen, and it was positive that they got this experience. But was it fair that I along with other viewers in the theater struggled to follow the audio due to the noise? Would the venue not have put on a dedicated session – as several theaters often provide to neurodiverse people typically?

An Ethical Dilemma

It's regrettable to admit which I really thought about raising the issue – not to the parent personally (I’m not a monster), but to the manager of the theatre. But, each of my obviously more compassionate friends appeared to accepted to the events. Moreover, I recalled was the fictional yet memorable scene in the TV series where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman protests about a child making too much noise in a restaurant, ignorant which he has Down’s syndrome. He barely survived the ensuing bad press – so my objection might have been much more severe because I was aware the teenager simply had no choice.

An Eye-Opening Awakening

Thankfully, my compassion prevailed then an amazing thing unfolded during the next 90 minutes. Initially, I simply got used to the once-intrusive sounds. Later, when the film approached its conclusion where viewers witnessed the profoundly empowering effect which the protagonist's Tourette’s camps provided on so many people, I experienced humbled and deeply honored to be sharing this moment alongside individuals with firsthand knowledge not only portrayed on screen – although the lead actor's acting as the character was excellent , personally, Oscar-caliber.

There have been analogous moments in the cinema before – watching The King’s Speech alongside a friend who stutters and his language pathologist wife, alternatively bumping into former servicemen of the Normandy landings in the foyer following Saving Private Ryan – but this was on another level. It felt like a 4D screening, but instead of the chairs moving about and sprays of water hitting you in the face, the characters were right beside you stating, “This goes beyond entertainment. It’s my reality.” And then swearing. A memorable line.

An Uplifting Conclusion

So I didn’t complain. As the film ended, I even went and thanked Joe – aged fourteen – along with his father, his father, for the gift of sharing the space, that certainly made our experience more meaningful than it would have been. Afterwards had a long chat and snapped a photo as a group – during which everyone present shouted an expletive in solidarity with Joe.

Closing Insights

I highly recommend everyone to view this brilliant movie and should you have the chance to end up watching alongside with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim