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What do clergy members do in their spare time? Recently, I ventured with a couple of companions, both other ministers, to see the new movie called I Swear. Based on the trailer, it was clear which the film was about an individual experiencing Tourette's. However, what the author had not realize turned out to be the fact this story depicted a true-life figure: the central character, that appeared in a previous 1989 program and earned a British Empire Medal for his efforts to educate the public regarding this syndrome and assist fellow sufferers.

Learning About TS

Before this film, many individuals had never heard of TS. Almost four decades later, everybody sort of knows what it is, yet it is often viewed as a punchline – especially within the comedy circuit.

Based on the teaser, it appeared which this movie was going to try to balance by both leveraging the obvious comic potential of someone yelling the most inappropriate things during awkward situations while also working to further Davidson’s work of promoting understanding through a compassionate way. I hope it’s not a spoiler to mention it succeeded in both aspects – however of course this became clear once the film concluded.

A Startling Theater Incident

When the film was starting, a young man sitting ahead from us abruptly shouted out a string of obscenities. Initially, I thought it was a prank – albeit a joke quite offensive. However, it soon became clear which this was an actual individual experiencing Tourette syndrome: a teenager with a parent.

And as the movie continued, the same with the young man – with no visible intervention from either the parent or anyone among the viewers. This led to a bit torn. Clearly, it was a big deal for the boy and his father to watch the undoubtedly extremely challenging daily reality shown on the big screen, and it was positive which they received this experience. But was it OK that I along with other viewers in the auditorium could hardly hear the audio due to the noise? Would the theater not have organize a dedicated session – as several theaters often provide to neurodiverse people usually?

An Ethical Struggle

I feel embarrassed to say that I actually considered raising the issue – however, not directly to them personally (I’m not an insensitive person), but to the manager of the theatre. But, each of the author's obviously kinder fellow vicars had come to terms with the situation. Plus, I recalled there was an fictional yet memorable scene in the TV series when Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman objects regarding a young person making too much noise in public, not realizing which the child has special needs. He barely survived the ensuing bad press – and my offence might have been much more severe since I was aware the individual could not couldn’t help it.

A Profound Realization

Fortunately, my better nature took over then a remarkable event happened over the following film duration. First, I just got used to the previously bothersome sounds. Later, when the movie reached its climax and viewers witnessed the incredibly liberating effect which Davidson’s Tourette’s camps provided for so many people, I felt modest and very privileged to be sharing this event with those who had real experience not only in a fictional setting – even though the lead actor's performance in the role was superb , in my view, deserving of recognition.

I have experienced similar experiences at the movies before – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend with a speech impediment and their language pathologist wife, or bumping into actual veterans from D-Day in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – but this was on another level. It resembled an immersive experience, however instead of physical effects and water mists hitting you in the face, the people were present alongside stating, “This goes beyond entertainment. It’s my reality.” Then swearing. A memorable line.

A Positive Conclusion

Therefore I didn’t complain. When the credits rolled, I even went and thanked Joe – who was 14 – and the parent, guardian, for the privilege of sharing the space, that certainly made our experience deeper compared to what we expected. Afterwards conversed at length then snapped a photo together – at that moment we all shouted an expletive to support the young man.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend all viewers to watch this excellent production and if the opportunity arises to end up watching alongside with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim