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Which activities do clergy members participate in during their own leisure hours? Recently, I went with a couple of friends, each other ministers, to view a recently released movie named I Swear. From the preview, I understood that the film focused on a man diagnosed with Tourette's. What I didn’t know turned out to be the fact this story was based on a real person: John Davidson, who was featured in a 1989 film who later was awarded a royal honor for their campaigns to educate the public regarding Tourette's and support those affected.

Exploring Tourette Syndrome

Prior to that film, many individuals hadn't known about TS. Nearly four decades afterwards, people sort of recognizes what it is, yet it’s still viewed as a joke – especially in the comedy circuit.

Based on the teaser, it was evident which the production intended to walk a fine line through both capitalising on the clear funny moments of a person yelling the most inappropriate things during unexpected moments while also striving to further Davidson’s efforts in promoting understanding through a compassionate way. It is hoped it’s not a spoiler to state it was successful on both counts – but naturally this became clear once the film concluded.

A Surprising Cinema Experience

As the feature began, a teenager sitting in front from us abruptly exclaimed a series of profanities. For a minute, it seemed this was a joke – albeit a joke quite offensive. But, it soon became clear which this was a real-life person with Tourette syndrome: a teenager alongside his father.

While the story unfolded, the same with the young man – with no obvious intervention by either his father or anyone among the viewers. I felt somewhat divided. Clearly, this represented a significant event for the boy and his father to see the certainly extremely challenging daily reality shown in a film, so it was positive that they got that opportunity. But was it fair that we and the entire audience in the theater could barely understand the film as a result? Would the venue not have arrange a dedicated session – as most of the chains regularly do to neurodiverse people typically?

An Ethical Dilemma

It's regrettable to confess which I really considered complaining – not to the boy’s father himself (I am no a monster), instead to the manager at the venue. However, both of the author's clearly more charitable colleagues had come to terms with what was happening. Additionally, I recalled was the admittedly fictional episode in Extras where Ricky Gervais’s Andy Millman protests about a child making too much noise in a restaurant, ignorant that the child has a genetic condition. He barely survived the resultant public criticism – and my complaint might have been far worse since I was aware the individual literally had no choice.

A Profound Awakening

Thankfully, my better nature took over then an amazing thing unfolded over the next hour and a half. Initially, I gradually adapted to the initially distracting noise. Later, when the movie built to a peak where we saw the incredibly liberating effect which the protagonist's support groups have had for many participants, I felt awed as well as deeply honored to experience this event alongside individuals who had real experience not only in a fictional setting – even though the lead actor's performance as the character was excellent , personally, Oscar-caliber.

There have been analogous moments at the movies before – viewing The King’s Speech with a friend with a speech impediment and their speech therapist spouse, or bumping into former servicemen from D-Day in the foyer after Saving Private Ryan – yet this was on another level. It was like a 4D screening, but instead of motion seats or water mists touching viewers, the characters were present next to you stating, “This is more than entertainment. It reflects my life.” Then cursing. A memorable line.

A Heartwarming Outcome

So no complaint was made. When the film ended, I actually went and thanked the young man – who was 14 – and Mark, his father, for the privilege of being there, which without a doubt made our experience deeper compared to a standard screening. Next talked for a while then took a selfie with everyone – at that moment everyone present shouted a curse alongside the young man.

Final Thoughts

It is urged that everyone to watch this brilliant production , if you have the chance to find yourself in the same theater with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim