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Which activities might vicars engage in during their leisure hours? Last week, this writer ventured with two companions, each fellow ministers, to see the new movie called I Swear. From the preview, I understood that it was about a person living with Tourette's. What the author had not understand was that it depicted a true-life figure: John Davidson, who starred in a previous late eighties documentary who later earned a royal honor for his campaigns to teach people regarding the condition and assist those affected.

Understanding TS

Before this programme, many individuals hadn't heard of the condition. Nearly four decades since then, everybody roughly understands the basics, but it is often seen as comic material – particularly within stand-up comedy.

From previews, it seemed that the film was going to try to walk a fine line by both leveraging the obvious funny moments of someone uttering socially awkward words at awkward situations and attempting to carry on the protagonist's mission of promoting understanding through a tactful and considerate manner. I hope it’s not revealing too much to mention it succeeded in achieving both goals – however naturally this became clear once the film concluded.

A Surprising Cinema Experience

As the film commenced, a young man sitting in the row of us abruptly yelled multiple profanities. Initially, I thought it was a prank – albeit a joke in very poor taste. However, it quickly became apparent which this was a real-life person with TS: a young man alongside his dad.

And as the movie continued, so did the teenager – and there was no visible response by either the parent or anybody in the theater. This led to slightly torn. Clearly, it was a big deal for this family to see their undoubtedly extremely challenging existence depicted on the big screen, so it was positive which they were having this experience. But was it OK if we and everyone else in the cinema could barely understand the film as a result? Would the venue have been able to arrange a dedicated session – like many cinemas frequently offer for those with conditions typically?

A Personal Conflict

I feel embarrassed to say that I actually thought about saying something – however, not to the boy’s father personally (I’m not an insensitive person), but to the manager of the cinema. Yet, each of the author's clearly more compassionate fellow vicars had accepted to the situation. Moreover, in the back of my mind there was an imagined but impactful incident from the TV series when a character's the protagonist protests about a child making too much noise in public, ignorant that the child has a genetic condition. He barely survived the ensuing negative attention – so my objection would have been far worse because I understood the teenager literally was unable to control it.

A Transformative Realization

Fortunately, my compassion prevailed and something extraordinary happened over the next film duration. First, I gradually got used to the once-intrusive noise. Later, when the story approached its conclusion where viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating impact which the protagonist's support groups provided for so many people, I experienced humbled and deeply honored to share this moment with people who’d actually lived it not only portrayed on screen – even though Robert Aramayo’s performance as the character stood out and to this writer, Oscar-caliber.

I have experienced comparable situations at the movies in the past – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a stammer and their language pathologist spouse, alternatively encountering real ex-soldiers of World War II after the show following Saving Private Ryan – but that experience was on another level. It resembled an immersive experience, however rather than motion seats or sprays of water touching viewers, the individuals were present beside you declaring, “This isn’t just a film. This is my truth.” And then swearing. An example phrase.

A Heartwarming Conclusion

So no complaint was made. When the movie concluded, I actually approached and expressed gratitude to Joe – aged 14 – along with his father, his father, for the gift of sharing the space, that undoubtedly enriched the film deeper than a standard screening. Next had a long chat and took a selfie together – at that moment we all shouted a rude word alongside Joe.

Final Thoughts

I would strongly encourage everyone to go and see this remarkable movie and if you’re lucky enough to end up watching alongside with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim