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Which activities might vicars participate in in their own leisure hours? Last week, this writer ventured accompanied by two colleagues, both fellow pastors, to see the recently released film named I Swear. Based on the preview, it was clear which it focused on a person living with TS. However, what the author had not realize was that it depicted a true-life figure: the central character, that starred in a previous 1989 program who later earned a British Empire Medal for their efforts to inform society regarding this syndrome as well as support those affected.

Understanding Tourette's

Before that documentary, the majority had never heard of the condition. Nearly four decades since then, people roughly recognizes its nature, but it’s still viewed as a joke – notably on stand-up comedy.

From the trailer, it appeared which the production was going to try to walk a fine line through both leveraging the undeniable humorous aspects of someone shouting the most inappropriate phrases at inopportune times and striving to carry on Davidson’s efforts of educating the public through a compassionate way. Hopefully this isn't a spoiler to mention it was successful in both aspects – but of course this became clear by the end.

A Surprising Cinema Experience

As the feature was starting, a teenager seated ahead nearby suddenly shouted out multiple obscenities. For a minute, I thought this was a joke – although one in very poor taste. But, it quickly became apparent which this was someone genuinely diagnosed with Tourette's: a young man accompanied by his father.

And as the movie progressed, so did the teenager – and there was no obvious intervention by either his father nor anyone in the audience. This led to a bit conflicted. Undoubtedly, this represented a big deal for this family to see their undoubtedly very tough daily reality portrayed in cinema, and it was positive which they were having that opportunity. But was it fair that we and the entire audience in the theater could barely understand the dialogue due to the noise? Would the venue have been able to organize an exclusive showing – as many cinemas frequently offer for neurodiverse people usually?

A Moral Struggle

I’m ashamed to confess that I actually thought about raising the issue – however, not to the boy’s father personally (I am no a monster), instead to the theater management of the cinema. But, both of my obviously more charitable colleagues appeared to resigned themselves to what was happening. Moreover, lurking in my thoughts was the fictional yet memorable incident from Extras where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman objects about a young person causing a disturbance in a restaurant, ignorant that he has Down’s syndrome. He faced backlash the subsequent negative attention – so my offence could have been even more inappropriate because I understood the individual could not was unable to control it.

A Profound Awakening

Thankfully, my better nature prevailed and a remarkable event unfolded during the following hour and a half. Initially, I gradually got used to the initially distracting sounds. Later, when the story built to a peak and the audience observed the incredibly liberating influence that the protagonist's support groups have had on numerous individuals, I experienced awed and very privileged to experience this time with those who’d actually lived it not just as actors – although the lead actor's portrayal as the character stood out and personally, deserving of recognition.

I have experienced analogous moments while watching films before – viewing The King’s Speech alongside a friend with a stammer and his language pathologist spouse, or encountering former servicemen of the Normandy landings after the show following Saving Private Ryan – yet this was far more impactful. It resembled an immersive experience, however rather than physical effects or sprays of water hitting you in the face, the characters were present alongside saying, “This goes beyond a movie. It reflects my life.” And then swearing. A memorable line.

An Uplifting Resolution

Therefore I refrained from objecting. As the credits rolled, I actually approached and expressed gratitude to the young man – who was fourteen – along with his father, his father, for the privilege of their presence, that undoubtedly made our experience deeper than it would have been. Next conversed at length and snapped a photo with everyone – at that moment we all shouted a rude word in solidarity with Joe.

Closing Insights

I highly recommend people to view this excellent production and should you have the chance to find yourself in the same theater with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim