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Which activities might clergy members do in their leisure hours? Recently, this writer went with two companions, both fellow vicars, to see a recently released movie called I Swear. From the teaser, I knew which the film centered on a person living with TS. However, what I had not realize was that it chronicled a true-life figure: John Davidson, who was featured in an earlier 1989 documentary who later was awarded an MBE for his efforts to inform the public regarding the condition and support those affected.

Understanding TS

Prior to this film, many individuals did not been aware of TS. Almost four decades afterwards, most individuals generally knows what it is, yet it’s still seen as comic material – particularly in comedy shows.

From the teaser, it was evident that the film was going to try to have its cake and eat it through both capitalising on the clear comic potential from someone uttering highly offensive phrases at unexpected moments while also striving to continue the protagonist's efforts in educating the public through a compassionate approach. I hope it’s not a spoiler to state it was successful in achieving both goals – however obviously this became clear once the film concluded.

An Unexpected Cinema Experience

As the feature began, a youth seated in the row of us unexpectedly shouted out a series of profanities. For a minute, it appeared it was a prank – albeit a joke in very poor taste. Yet, it soon became clear that here was someone genuinely with Tourette's: a young man accompanied by a parent.

While the movie progressed, the same with the young man – and there was no visible action by neither his father nor anyone in the audience. This led to somewhat divided. Obviously, this represented an important moment for this family to experience their no doubt very tough life depicted in cinema, and it was positive which they were having this chance. Yet was it fair if I along with other viewers in the theater could barely understand the audio because of this? Would the venue have been able to organize a special screening – as many cinemas frequently offer for those with conditions usually?

A Personal Conflict

I’m ashamed to admit that I genuinely thought about saying something – however, not to the boy’s father personally (I am no a monster), but to the theater management of the cinema. Yet, each of the author's obviously more charitable friends seemed to have come to terms to the events. Moreover, I recalled there was an imagined but impactful scene in the TV series when Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman protests regarding a young person making too much noise in a restaurant, unaware which the child has Down’s syndrome. He faced backlash the subsequent public criticism – and my offence could have been much more severe since I was aware the boy could not was unable to control it.

An Eye-Opening Realization

Fortunately, my better nature won over and something extraordinary happened during the next film duration. First, I just adapted to the initially distracting utterances. Later, as the story built to a peak where the audience observed the profoundly empowering impact which Davidson’s support groups have had for many participants, I experienced awed as well as very privileged to share this time alongside individuals with firsthand knowledge not only as actors – although Robert Aramayo’s portrayal as the character was excellent , in my view, deserving of recognition.

I have experienced analogous moments while watching films previously – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend with a stammer and their speech therapist spouse, alternatively bumping into actual veterans of World War II in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – yet this was far more impactful. It felt like an immersive experience, however instead of physical effects and sprays of water touching viewers, the characters were sitting beside you saying, “This is more than a film. This is my truth.” Then swearing. Spunk for milk.

An Uplifting Outcome

So I refrained from objecting. When the film ended, I actually spoke with Joe – who was 14 – along with the parent, his father, for the honor of sharing the space, which certainly enriched the film even more profound than what we expected. Next had a long chat and captured a memory as a group – when everyone present exclaimed a rude word to support the young man.

Final Thoughts

I would strongly encourage everyone to go and see this remarkable movie , if the opportunity arises to find yourself watching alongside with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim