🔗 Share this article

What do clergy members do in their own leisure hours? Last week, this writer ventured accompanied by two companions, both other vicars, to see the recently released movie called I Swear. Based on the preview, it was clear which the film was about an individual experiencing Tourette syndrome. What the author had not understand turned out to be the fact it was based on a true-life figure: the subject, that appeared in an earlier late eighties program and received an MBE in recognition of his efforts to inform the public regarding the condition and support those affected.

Understanding Tourette's

Before this film, most people hadn't been aware of Tourette syndrome. Almost four decades later, people roughly recognizes the basics, but it is often viewed as a punchline – especially on the comedy circuit.

Based on the teaser, it was evident that the production aimed to walk a fine line by simultaneously leveraging the obvious funny moments of a person shouting highly offensive things during inopportune times and attempting to further Davidson’s work in raising awareness in a tactful and considerate manner. It is hoped this isn't a spoiler to mention it was successful on both counts – but of course I only knew that by the end.

A Startling Movie Encounter

When the feature was starting, a teenager sitting in front of us suddenly shouted out multiple profanities. Initially, I thought it was a gag – although one in very poor taste. Yet, it quickly became apparent which this was a real-life person experiencing Tourette's: a young man accompanied by his father.

And as the movie continued, the same with the teenager – and there was no visible response by either the parent nor anybody in the theater. I felt slightly torn. Undoubtedly, this represented a big deal for the boy and his father to experience the no doubt incredibly difficult life depicted in a film, and it was positive that they got this chance. But was it acceptable if I and everyone else in the cinema struggled to follow the film as a result? Could the cinema have been able to organize a dedicated session – as most of the chains regularly do to neurodiverse people typically?

An Ethical Struggle

It's regrettable to admit which I genuinely considered saying something – not to the boy’s father personally (I’m not an insensitive person), instead to the manager at the venue. But, both of the author's clearly more charitable friends had resigned themselves with the events. Moreover, in the back of my mind was the admittedly fictional episode from the TV series where a character's the protagonist protests regarding a young person making too much noise during a meal, unaware that the child has special needs. He barely survived the subsequent bad press – so my offence would have been even more inappropriate because I understood the individual literally had no choice.

A Transformative Awakening

Thankfully, my better nature won over then something extraordinary occurred over the following hour and a half. Initially, I simply got used to the once-intrusive utterances. Later, as the movie built to a peak and the audience observed the incredibly liberating impact which the protagonist's support groups provided for so many people, I felt humbled as well as extremely fortunate to share this event alongside individuals with firsthand knowledge not just as actors – although Robert Aramayo’s acting in the role was superb , personally, Oscar-caliber.

I have experienced similar experiences in the cinema before – watching The King’s Speech alongside a friend who stutters and their speech therapist wife, alternatively encountering actual veterans of World War II in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – yet this was far more impactful. It resembled an enhanced viewing, but rather than motion seats and sprays of water spraying the audience, 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.

An Uplifting Resolution

Therefore I didn’t complain. As the film ended, I actually spoke with the teenager – who was 14 – and the parent, guardian, for the honor of being there, which undoubtedly enriched the film deeper than a standard screening. We then conversed at length then snapped a photo together – when everyone present shouted a rude word alongside the boy.

Key Takeaways

I highly recommend everyone to view this remarkable movie and should you’re lucky enough to find yourself watching alongside with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim