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What do vicars engage in during their own free time? Recently, I went with a couple of colleagues, both fellow vicars, to view a new film called I Swear. Based on the trailer, it was clear which the film focused on a person diagnosed with TS. However, what the author didn’t realize turned out to be the fact it was based on a true-life figure: the central character, that appeared in an earlier 1989 film and received an MBE for his efforts to teach the public regarding the condition as well as help those affected.

Learning About Tourette's

Prior to that film, most people hadn't been aware of the condition. Nearly 40 years afterwards, most individuals generally recognizes its nature, but it is often treated as comic material – especially in the comedy circuit.

Based on the teaser, it appeared which the production intended to walk a fine line by both capitalising on the obvious humorous aspects from someone shouting highly offensive words during awkward situations while also striving to further Davidson’s work in promoting understanding in a respectful and sensitive manner. I hope it’s not revealing too much to say it succeeded on both counts – however of course this became clear after watching.

A Surprising Cinema Experience

When the film commenced, a teenager sitting ahead from us unexpectedly yelled multiple profanities. Initially, it appeared it was a gag – albeit one highly inappropriate. Yet, it quickly became apparent which this was an actual individual experiencing Tourette syndrome: an adolescent alongside his father.

While the movie progressed, the same with the teenager – and there was no obvious action by neither the parent or anyone in the audience. I felt somewhat conflicted. Clearly, this represented a big deal for this family to see their certainly incredibly difficult daily reality depicted in cinema, so I felt glad that they were having that opportunity. But was it fair if I along with other viewers in the theater struggled to follow the audio due to the noise? Would the theater not have organize a special screening – like several theaters frequently offer for individuals with special needs typically?

A Personal Dilemma

It's regrettable to confess that I genuinely considered saying something – not to the parent himself (I am no an insensitive person), but to the theater management of the cinema. However, each of my obviously more charitable fellow vicars appeared to come to terms with the situation. Plus, lurking in my thoughts was the imagined but impactful episode from the TV series where a character's the protagonist objects about a young person being disruptive during a meal, ignorant that the child has a genetic condition. He endured the subsequent bad press – and my offence might have been much more severe since I understood the individual simply was unable to control it.

A Transformative Experience

Luckily, my better nature won over then a remarkable event unfolded over the following film duration. Initially, I just got used to the previously bothersome sounds. Later, as the story built to a peak where viewers witnessed the deeply freeing effect which Davidson’s Tourette’s camps provided for so many people, I felt modest and deeply honored to share this event alongside individuals with firsthand knowledge not just as actors – even though the lead actor's portrayal as Davidson was excellent and personally, award-worthy.

I’ve had similar experiences while watching films in the past – watching The King’s Speech with a friend with a speech impediment and their speech therapist spouse, alternatively meeting actual veterans of the Normandy landings after the show following Saving Private Ryan – but this was in a different league. It felt like an immersive experience, but instead of physical effects and sprays of water spraying the audience, the individuals were right alongside declaring, “This is more than a movie. It’s my reality.” And then using foul language. An example phrase.

An Uplifting Conclusion

So no complaint was made. When the credits rolled, I even spoke with Joe – aged fourteen – along with his father, guardian, for the honor of sharing the space, that certainly enriched the film even more profound than what we expected. We then conversed at length then captured a memory as a group – at that moment everyone present shouted an expletive to support Joe.

Closing Insights

I would strongly encourage people to view this excellent production , should you have the chance to end up in the same theater with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim