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Which activities might vicars do during their own free time? Recently, this writer went with two colleagues, each fellow pastors, to view a recently released picture called I Swear. Based on its teaser, it was clear that the film focused on a man living with Tourette syndrome. What I had not know was that it chronicled a real person: the central character, that was featured in an earlier late eighties documentary who later earned a royal honor for their efforts to educate people regarding Tourette's and help those affected.

Learning About Tourette's

Prior to this film, the majority hadn't heard of the condition. Almost 40 years later, most individuals generally recognizes the basics, yet it remains viewed as a joke – notably within stand-up comedy.

From the trailer, it was evident that the film aimed to balance by simultaneously capitalising on the obvious funny moments of someone yelling highly offensive phrases during unexpected moments while also working to further the protagonist's work in promoting understanding in a compassionate way. Hopefully this isn't revealing too much to say it succeeded on both counts – but of course this became clear after watching.

An Unexpected Movie Encounter

When the feature was starting, a teenager sitting in front of us unexpectedly exclaimed multiple obscenities. For a minute, it seemed this was a joke – albeit a joke highly inappropriate. Yet, it quickly became apparent which here was an actual individual diagnosed with Tourette syndrome: a young man alongside his dad.

And as the film unfolded, the same with the young man – with no visible action by neither his father or anyone among the viewers. I felt somewhat conflicted. Undoubtedly, it was an important moment for the boy and his father to experience their undoubtedly incredibly difficult daily reality portrayed in cinema, and I was pleased that they got this chance. Yet was it OK that I and the entire audience in the auditorium struggled to follow the film due to the noise? Would the cinema not have organize a special screening – like most of the chains frequently offer for neurodiverse people usually?

A Moral Struggle

I’m ashamed to confess that I actually thought about raising the issue – however, not directly to them himself (I’m not heartless), but to the theater management at the venue. However, both of the author's evidently kinder colleagues had accepted with the situation. Moreover, I recalled there was an fictional yet memorable scene from Extras where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman complains about a child being disruptive in a restaurant, ignorant which the child has Down’s syndrome. He endured the ensuing public criticism – so my objection would have been far worse since I knew the boy simply was unable to control it.

A Profound Experience

Thankfully, my better nature took over then an amazing thing happened over the following 90 minutes. Initially, I just got used to the initially distracting sounds. Then, as the movie approached its conclusion and we saw the profoundly empowering effect which the protagonist's Tourette’s camps provided on numerous individuals, I experienced humbled as well as deeply honored to experience this time with those with firsthand knowledge not just portrayed on screen – even though the lead actor's performance as Davidson was superb and to this writer, award-worthy.

I have experienced comparable situations in the cinema previously – viewing The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a stammer and their language pathologist spouse, or bumping into actual veterans of the Normandy landings in the foyer following Saving Private Ryan – yet that experience was in a different league. It resembled an enhanced viewing, but instead of the chairs moving about or sprays of water spraying the audience, the individuals were present beside you declaring, “This goes beyond a film. This is my truth.” And then swearing. A memorable line.

A Positive Resolution

So I refrained from objecting. When the credits rolled, I actually approached and expressed gratitude to the young man – who was 14 – along with Mark, dad, for the gift of being there, that undoubtedly enriched the film more meaningful than a standard screening. Afterwards had a long chat and snapped a photo with everyone – at that moment the group shouted an expletive to support the young man.

Key Takeaways

It is urged that all viewers to go and see this remarkable production and if the opportunity arises to end up sharing the cinema with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim