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Which activities might religious leaders participate in during their leisure hours? Recently, this writer ventured accompanied by a couple of friends, both other ministers, to watch the recently released movie called I Swear. Based on the trailer, I understood that it focused on an individual living with Tourette syndrome. What I had not know turned out to be the fact it chronicled a true-life figure: John Davidson, who appeared in an earlier late eighties program who later earned a British Empire Medal in recognition of their work to teach people about this syndrome as well as assist fellow sufferers.

Exploring TS

Before this programme, the majority had never been aware of TS. Nearly four decades later, most individuals sort of recognizes what it is, yet it remains treated as a punchline – especially within stand-up comedy.

From previews, it appeared which the production aimed to walk a fine line through both using the clear funny moments of someone shouting the most inappropriate words during inopportune times and working to carry on the protagonist's efforts in educating the public in a compassionate way. I hope it’s not revealing too much to state it was successful on both counts – however naturally I only knew that once the film concluded.

A Surprising Cinema Experience

When the movie commenced, a youth sitting in front nearby suddenly exclaimed a string of obscenities. Initially, it appeared this was a joke – although one highly inappropriate. Yet, it was soon evident that here was someone genuinely with Tourette's: a teenager with a parent.

While the movie continued, so did the young man – and there was no visible intervention from neither the parent or anyone in the audience. I felt somewhat torn. Obviously, this represented a big deal for them to watch the certainly incredibly difficult life shown on the big screen, so it was positive that they got that opportunity. Yet was it fair that I and the entire audience in the cinema could barely understand the audio due to the noise? Could the theater not have organize an exclusive showing – as many cinemas regularly do for neurodiverse people typically?

A Personal Dilemma

It's regrettable to confess which I genuinely considered saying something – however, not to the boy’s father himself (I am no heartless), but to the manager at the venue. Yet, each of the author's evidently kinder fellow vicars appeared to come to terms with what was happening. Additionally, lurking in my thoughts there was an admittedly fictional scene from Extras when Ricky Gervais’s the protagonist objects about a child being disruptive in public, ignorant which the child has Down’s syndrome. He barely survived the subsequent bad press – and my objection would have been even more inappropriate because I was aware the boy literally had no choice.

An Eye-Opening Realization

Luckily, my compassion took over then an amazing thing occurred over the next hour and a half. First, I just adapted to the previously bothersome utterances. Later, when the film reached its climax where we saw the profoundly empowering effect which Davidson’s special programs provided for many participants, I felt modest and very privileged to share this moment with those who’d actually lived it not only as actors – even though the lead actor's acting as the character was excellent and to this writer, deserving of recognition.

There have been similar experiences while watching films previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a speech impediment and his speech therapist wife, or bumping into real ex-soldiers from D-Day in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – yet that experience was far more impactful. It felt like an immersive experience, but instead of the chairs moving about or water mists hitting you in the face, the individuals were sitting next to you stating, “This goes beyond a film. It’s my reality.” Then cursing. A memorable line.

A Heartwarming Resolution

So I didn’t complain. When the credits rolled, I actually went and thanked the teenager – who was fourteen – and his father, his father, for the honor of their presence, that certainly enhanced our viewing even more profound compared to it would have been. Next conversed at length then captured a memory together – at that moment the group yelled a rude word to support the young man.

Closing Insights

I highly recommend people to watch this excellent production and if you have the chance to end up in the same theater with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim