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Which activities do vicars do during their spare time? Recently, I ventured with two friends, each other vicars, to view the new film called I Swear. From its preview, I understood which it focused on an individual living with Tourette's. What the author had not realize was that it chronicled a real person: the central character, who appeared in an earlier late eighties documentary and was awarded a British Empire Medal for his efforts to inform the public regarding the condition as well as support others with TS.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Before that programme, the majority had never heard of Tourette syndrome. Almost 40 years afterwards, most individuals generally understands the basics, yet it is often treated as comic material – particularly in comedy shows.

Based on previews, it seemed that the film was going to try to balance by simultaneously leveraging the clear funny moments of a person yelling socially awkward phrases at awkward situations while also striving to continue the protagonist's efforts in raising awareness in a compassionate way. Hopefully it’s not revealing too much to mention it succeeded in achieving both goals – but of course this became clear after watching.

A Surprising Cinema Experience

When the movie began, a young man seated in front from us abruptly exclaimed multiple profanities. For a minute, it appeared this was a prank – although one quite offensive. Yet, it quickly became apparent which here was a real-life person with TS: a teenager accompanied by his father.

While the movie continued, so did the teenager – with no visible response from neither his father or anyone among the viewers. This led to somewhat conflicted. Undoubtedly, it was an important moment for them to see the no doubt incredibly difficult life shown on the big screen, so I was pleased that they got this chance. But was it acceptable if I along with other viewers in the theater could hardly hear the dialogue as a result? Could the venue have been able to arrange an exclusive showing – like most of the chains regularly do to neurodiverse people usually?

A Moral Conflict

I feel embarrassed to confess which I actually contemplated raising the issue – not directly to them personally (I am no a monster), but to staff at the venue. Yet, each of my evidently more charitable fellow vicars appeared to accepted with the situation. Plus, in the back of my mind there was an fictional yet memorable scene in the TV series when Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman objects about a child being disruptive during a meal, not realizing which the child has special needs. He barely survived the subsequent public criticism – and my offence would have been far worse since I was aware the individual simply couldn’t help it.

A Transformative Experience

Fortunately, my better nature won over and something extraordinary occurred over the next hour and a half. First, I just became accustomed to the initially distracting utterances. Then, when the film built to a peak where the audience observed the profoundly empowering influence which Davidson’s Tourette’s camps have had for numerous individuals, I felt humbled and very privileged to experience this time alongside individuals who’d actually lived it not only in a fictional setting – even though Robert Aramayo’s acting as Davidson stood out and personally, deserving of recognition.

I’ve had similar experiences while watching films before – viewing The King’s Speech with an acquaintance with a stammer and their speech therapist wife, or encountering real ex-soldiers from D-Day in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – yet this was on another level. It felt like an enhanced viewing, however instead of physical effects and splashes touching viewers, the people were sitting alongside saying, “This isn’t just a film. It’s my reality.” And then cursing. A memorable line.

A Heartwarming Conclusion

So I didn’t complain. When the film ended, I actually spoke with Joe – who was fourteen – and his father, dad, for the gift of being there, that undoubtedly made our experience deeper than what we expected. Afterwards conversed at length and captured a memory together – when everyone present yelled a rude word alongside the young man.

Closing Insights

It is urged that everyone to go and see this excellent production , should the opportunity arises to end up in the same theater with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim