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Which activities might religious leaders engage in during their own free time? Recently, this writer went accompanied by a couple of friends, both fellow pastors, to see a recently released picture named I Swear. From its trailer, I knew which the film was about a man diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. What I didn’t realize turned out to be the fact it chronicled an actual individual: the subject, that starred in an earlier 1989 program who later earned an MBE in recognition of his work to educate society about this syndrome as well as help those affected.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Prior to this film, many individuals hadn't been aware of Tourette syndrome. Almost 40 years later, most individuals sort of recognizes the basics, yet it’s still treated as comic material – particularly on comedy shows.

Based on the trailer, it seemed which the production aimed to walk a fine line through both capitalising on the undeniable humorous aspects from a person yelling socially awkward things at inopportune times and attempting to continue the protagonist's work in promoting understanding through a compassionate approach. It is hoped this isn't a spoiler to state it succeeded in achieving both goals – but of course I only knew that by the end.

A Surprising Movie Encounter

As the feature commenced, a youth sitting in the row from us unexpectedly exclaimed a string of curse words. Initially, it seemed it was a joke – although one quite offensive. But, it quickly became apparent that here was someone genuinely diagnosed with Tourette syndrome: a teenager alongside his dad.

While the film unfolded, the same with the teenager – and there was no obvious action by neither the parent nor anybody among the viewers. This led to a bit torn. Clearly, it was an important moment for the boy and his father to see the no doubt extremely challenging existence portrayed on the big screen, and I felt glad that they were having this chance. Yet was it OK if we along with other viewers in the cinema could hardly hear the dialogue because of this? Could the theater have been able to put on an exclusive showing – like most of the chains often provide for neurodiverse people typically?

A Personal Struggle

I feel embarrassed to say that I genuinely contemplated complaining – not directly to them himself (I am no heartless), but to the theater management at the venue. But, both of my obviously kinder friends had come to terms with what was happening. Moreover, lurking in my thoughts was the imagined but impactful episode from the TV series when Ricky Gervais’s the protagonist objects regarding a child being disruptive during a meal, not realizing which he has a genetic condition. He faced backlash the ensuing bad press – and my offence might have been even more inappropriate since I knew the individual could not couldn’t help it.

A Transformative Experience

Fortunately, my compassion won over and something extraordinary happened over the next film duration. First, I gradually got used to the once-intrusive noise. Then, when the film built to a peak where the audience observed the profoundly empowering influence which Davidson’s support groups offered for many participants, I experienced humbled and very privileged to experience this time with those who’d actually lived it not only in a fictional setting – even though Robert Aramayo’s performance as the character was excellent and in my view, deserving of recognition.

There have been analogous moments while watching films in the past – viewing The King’s Speech alongside a friend with a speech impediment and his speech therapist wife, alternatively bumping into actual veterans of the Normandy landings in the foyer after Saving Private Ryan – yet this was far more impactful. It was like an enhanced viewing, but rather than physical effects and splashes spraying the audience, the individuals were right beside you saying, “This isn’t just a film. It’s my reality.” And then swearing. Spunk for milk.

A Positive Conclusion

Therefore I didn’t complain. When the credits rolled, I went so far as to spoke with the teenager – aged 14 – and his father, dad, for the privilege of their presence, which certainly made our experience deeper than what we expected. Afterwards had a long chat and took a selfie together – during which we all yelled a rude word to support the boy.

Closing Insights

I would strongly encourage all viewers to watch this brilliant production , should the opportunity arises to be sharing the cinema with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim