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What might religious leaders participate in during their own free time? Last week, this writer went with a couple of companions, both fellow ministers, to see the recently released film named I Swear. Based on the preview, it was clear that the film was about an individual living with Tourette's. However, what I had not understand was that this story chronicled an actual individual: John Davidson, that was featured in a late eighties program and earned an MBE for his efforts to inform people regarding the condition and support fellow sufferers.

Understanding TS

Before that documentary, most people hadn't heard of TS. Almost four decades since then, most individuals roughly knows its nature, but it’s still viewed as a punchline – especially on the comedy circuit.

From previews, it seemed that the film aimed to walk a fine line through both using the clear comic potential of a person yelling socially awkward things during unexpected moments and attempting to carry on the protagonist's efforts in educating the public through a tactful and considerate way. I hope it’s not revealing too much to mention it succeeded in achieving both goals – but naturally this became clear after watching.

A Startling Movie Encounter

When the film was starting, a youth seated in front nearby unexpectedly shouted out multiple obscenities. At first, it appeared this was a joke – although a joke in very poor taste. Yet, it was soon evident which this was a real-life person diagnosed with Tourette's: an adolescent alongside his dad.

While the film unfolded, so did the young man – with no apparent action by neither his dad nor anybody in the audience. This led to slightly conflicted. Undoubtedly, it was a significant event for them to watch the no doubt extremely challenging existence portrayed in a film, and I felt glad that they got this chance. But was it acceptable if I and everyone else in the cinema could hardly hear the film due to the noise? Could the venue have been able to put on a special screening – like many cinemas regularly do to neurodiverse people usually?

A Moral Struggle

I’m ashamed to admit that I actually contemplated raising the issue – not to the parent himself (I’m not heartless), instead to the theater management of the cinema. But, each of my evidently kinder fellow vicars appeared to come to terms to the situation. Moreover, lurking in my thoughts was the fictional yet memorable incident from Extras when a character's the protagonist protests about a young person being disruptive in a restaurant, unaware that the child has Down’s syndrome. He faced backlash the subsequent bad press – so my offence could have been far worse because I understood the teenager literally couldn’t help it.

An Eye-Opening Awakening

Fortunately, my better nature took over and something extraordinary happened during the following hour and a half. Initially, I just became accustomed to the once-intrusive utterances. Then, as the movie reached its climax where the audience observed the profoundly empowering impact which the protagonist's special programs provided for so many people, I experienced awed and very privileged to be sharing this time with those with firsthand knowledge not just portrayed on screen – although Robert Aramayo’s portrayal in the role was superb , personally, Oscar-caliber.

I’ve had comparable situations at the movies before – watching The King’s Speech with an acquaintance with a stammer and his speech therapist spouse, or meeting real ex-soldiers of the Normandy landings in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was on another level. It felt like a 4D screening, but rather than motion seats and sprays of water touching viewers, the individuals were sitting next to you stating, “This is more than a movie. This is my truth.” Then using foul language. A memorable line.

A Positive Outcome

So I didn’t complain. When the film ended, I even spoke with the teenager – who was 14 – along with the parent, guardian, for the gift of being there, which without a doubt enriched the film even more profound compared to what we expected. Next conversed at length then took a selfie with everyone – at that moment the group exclaimed a curse to support the boy.

Final Thoughts

I would strongly encourage everyone to go and see this brilliant production , should you have the chance to end up watching alongside with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim