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What might vicars participate in during their own spare time? Not long ago, I ventured with two friends, each fellow pastors, to see a recently released picture titled I Swear. Based on the trailer, it was clear which it centered on an individual diagnosed with Tourette's. However, what the author had not know turned out to be that it chronicled a real person: the central character, who starred in a late eighties film who later earned an MBE in recognition of their efforts to inform society about Tourette's as well as assist others with TS.

Understanding Tourette's

Before that programme, most people had never been aware of Tourette syndrome. Nearly 40 years since then, everybody generally knows what it is, but it’s still seen as a joke – notably within stand-up comedy.

Based on the teaser, it appeared that the film was going to try to have its cake and eat it through both capitalising on the clear funny moments from someone yelling socially awkward things at unexpected moments and striving to continue the protagonist's work in educating the public in a respectful and sensitive manner. It is hoped it’s not revealing too much to mention it succeeded in achieving both goals – but of course this became clear after watching.

A Startling Theater Incident

As the feature was starting, a teenager seated ahead nearby suddenly yelled multiple profanities. At first, it appeared it was a gag – albeit one highly inappropriate. Yet, it quickly became apparent that this was a real-life person diagnosed with TS: a young man alongside a parent.

While the story progressed, the same with the boy – and there was no apparent response by either the parent nor anybody in the theater. I felt slightly conflicted. Clearly, this represented a big deal for this family to watch the undoubtedly extremely challenging life portrayed in cinema, and it was positive which they received this chance. Yet was it fair if I and everyone else in the cinema could barely understand the audio due to the noise? Would the venue have been able to arrange a dedicated session – as most of the chains regularly do for those with conditions in general?

A Moral Struggle

I’m ashamed to say that I genuinely thought about raising the issue – however, not directly to them personally (I’m not heartless), instead to staff at the venue. Yet, both of the author's clearly more charitable fellow vicars appeared to accepted with what was happening. Additionally, I recalled was the imagined but impactful incident from the TV series where a character's Andy Millman protests regarding a child causing a disturbance in a restaurant, not realizing that he has a genetic condition. He faced backlash the ensuing public criticism – and my offence would have been even more inappropriate since I knew the boy literally was unable to control it.

A Profound Awakening

Luckily, my conscience took over then an amazing thing occurred during the next film duration. Initially, I gradually adapted to the initially distracting noise. Later, as the story built to a peak where we saw the deeply freeing effect that Davidson’s special programs provided for numerous individuals, I experienced awed and very privileged to experience this event alongside individuals who had real experience not just portrayed on screen – although Robert Aramayo’s performance in the role was excellent and in my view, award-worthy.

I have experienced comparable situations at the movies in the past – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend with a speech impediment and their language pathologist wife, or meeting former servicemen from D-Day in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – but this was far more impactful. It felt like an immersive experience, however instead of motion seats and splashes touching viewers, the individuals were right beside you declaring, “This goes beyond a movie. It reflects my life.” Then using foul language. An example phrase.

An Uplifting Conclusion

So no complaint was made. As the film ended, I actually spoke with the teenager – aged fourteen – along with Mark, dad, for the gift of being there, that undoubtedly made our experience deeper compared to what we expected. Next talked for a while then captured a memory together – at that moment we all shouted an expletive to support the boy.

Final Thoughts

It is urged that people to watch this brilliant production and if you have the chance to find yourself watching alongside with a person experiencing Tourette's, {don’t be a nim