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Which activities might vicars do during their own spare time? Last week, this writer ventured with a couple of companions, both other pastors, to watch the new movie called I Swear. From its teaser, I understood which the film centered on a person living with Tourette's. However, what the author had not understand turned out to be that this story depicted a real person: the central character, who starred in a previous late eighties program who later received a British Empire Medal for his efforts to teach people about this syndrome as well as assist fellow sufferers.

Exploring Tourette's

Prior to that programme, many individuals had never known about TS. Nearly four decades afterwards, people sort of understands the basics, but it remains treated as a joke – especially on the comedy circuit.

Based on the teaser, it seemed that this movie aimed to have its cake and eat it by both using the obvious comic potential of someone shouting socially awkward words during awkward situations and striving to further Davidson’s work of promoting understanding through a respectful and sensitive approach. I hope it’s not a spoiler to say it was successful on both counts – however obviously I only knew that after watching.

A Surprising Movie Encounter

When the film began, a teenager seated ahead nearby unexpectedly exclaimed a series of obscenities. For a minute, I thought it was a gag – although one quite offensive. Yet, it quickly became apparent that here was an actual individual diagnosed with TS: a teenager alongside a parent.

And as the story progressed, the same with the boy – with no visible intervention from neither his father or anybody among the viewers. This led to somewhat conflicted. Clearly, this represented an important moment for them to experience their no doubt very tough life depicted in a film, and it was positive that they got this experience. But was it fair that we and everyone else in the theater could hardly hear the audio due to the noise? Could the cinema not have organize an exclusive showing – like several theaters frequently offer to individuals with special needs typically?

A Moral Struggle

It's regrettable to confess which I really contemplated raising the issue – however, not to the parent personally (I’m not heartless), but to the theater management of the cinema. Yet, each of the author's obviously kinder fellow vicars seemed to have resigned themselves with what was happening. Additionally, I recalled there was an admittedly fictional scene in the TV series when Ricky Gervais’s the protagonist protests regarding a young person being disruptive in a restaurant, not realizing that the child has special needs. He endured the ensuing negative attention – and my complaint might have been far worse since I was aware the teenager could not couldn’t help it.

A Profound Awakening

Luckily, my conscience won over and a remarkable event happened over the following film duration. Initially, I simply got used to the initially distracting utterances. Then, as the story built to a peak where viewers witnessed the deeply freeing influence that Davidson’s special programs offered on numerous individuals, I felt awed as well as deeply honored to experience this moment with those who had real experience not only in a fictional setting – even though Robert Aramayo’s performance in the role was superb and personally, deserving of recognition.

I’ve had comparable situations in the cinema previously – watching The King’s Speech alongside an acquaintance with a speech impediment and his speech therapist spouse, alternatively bumping into real ex-soldiers of World War II in the lobby after Saving Private Ryan – but this was in a different league. It was like an immersive experience, but instead of the chairs moving about or sprays of water hitting you in the face, the people were sitting alongside stating, “This isn’t just a film. It’s my reality.” Then using foul language. Spunk for milk.

A Positive Conclusion

Therefore I refrained from objecting. As the credits rolled, I went so far as to approached and expressed gratitude to Joe – aged 14 – and Mark, his father, for the privilege of sharing the space, that without a doubt enriched the film more meaningful compared to what we expected. Afterwards conversed at length then snapped a photo as a group – when the group exclaimed a rude word in solidarity with Joe.

Closing Insights

I highly recommend everyone to go and see this brilliant movie , should you’re lucky enough to be watching alongside with someone like Joe, {don’t be a nim