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Which activities do religious leaders do in their spare time? Last week, I ventured accompanied by two colleagues, both fellow ministers, to watch the recently released movie called I Swear. Based on the trailer, I understood that it centered on an individual living with TS. However, what the author didn’t understand turned out to be that it chronicled a true-life figure: the central character, that was featured in an earlier 1989 documentary who later earned an MBE in recognition of his campaigns to teach the public about the condition as well as assist others with TS.

Understanding TS

Prior to that programme, many individuals did not been aware of Tourette syndrome. Almost four decades afterwards, everybody generally knows what it is, yet it’s still viewed as a punchline – notably in comedy shows.

Based on previews, it appeared that the production aimed to balance through both leveraging the clear humorous aspects of a person shouting highly offensive phrases at awkward situations while also striving to continue Davidson’s efforts of raising awareness through a respectful and sensitive approach. I hope this isn't a spoiler to mention it succeeded in both aspects – however of course this became clear once the film concluded.

A Startling Theater Incident

As the feature began, a teenager sitting in front of us suddenly exclaimed multiple curse words. Initially, it appeared this was a gag – although one in very poor taste. But, it soon became clear which this was an actual individual diagnosed with Tourette syndrome: an adolescent alongside his father.

While the movie progressed, the same with the boy – and there was no apparent intervention by neither the parent nor anyone among the viewers. I felt slightly torn. Obviously, it was a significant event for this family to watch the undoubtedly incredibly difficult daily reality portrayed on the big screen, so I felt glad which they received this chance. But was it OK that we along with other viewers in the theater struggled to follow the audio as a result? Would the theater not have arrange a dedicated session – as many cinemas frequently offer for individuals with special needs typically?

A Personal Conflict

It's regrettable to say that I actually thought about complaining – not to the parent personally (I’m not an insensitive person), instead to staff at the venue. Yet, each of my clearly more charitable fellow vicars seemed to have come to terms with what was happening. Moreover, in the back of my mind there was an admittedly fictional scene in the TV series where a character's the protagonist complains regarding a child causing a disturbance in public, not realizing which the child has special needs. He endured the resultant negative attention – so my complaint could have been much more severe because I understood the teenager literally was unable to control it.

A Transformative Awakening

Fortunately, my compassion prevailed then a remarkable event happened over the following 90 minutes. First, I just adapted to the previously bothersome utterances. Later, as the story approached its conclusion and viewers witnessed the profoundly empowering impact which Davidson’s support groups provided on so many people, I felt modest as well as very privileged to share this moment with those who had real experience not only in a fictional setting – although the lead actor's portrayal as Davidson was superb and personally, Oscar-caliber.

I have experienced similar experiences in the cinema in the past – watching The King’s Speech with a friend with a speech impediment and their language pathologist wife, alternatively encountering actual veterans from D-Day after the show following Saving Private Ryan – yet this was in a different league. It was like a 4D screening, however instead of the chairs moving about and sprays of water hitting you in the face, the people were sitting next to you declaring, “This isn’t just entertainment. This is my truth.” Then cursing. An example phrase.

A Heartwarming Resolution

So I didn’t complain. When the movie concluded, I actually approached and expressed gratitude to the young man – who was 14 – and his father, dad, for the privilege of sharing the space, that certainly made our experience even more profound than a standard screening. We then talked for a while and took a selfie with everyone – when we all yelled a rude word in solidarity with the boy.

Closing Insights

It is urged that people to view this excellent movie and if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the same theater with an individual with TS, {don’t be a nim