Our take
This British drama follows Tourette's campaigner John Davidson from school bullying to advocacy. The UK rating is 15 for very strong language, brief violence, and sex references, noting tics that shout the c-word in sympathetic context. A suicide attempt and homophobic slurs used as involuntary tics may hit hard. Inspiring overall, but preview if your teen shares similar struggles
Uplifting themes
Advocacy, perseverance, and community kindness carry the uplift John and allies model courage and turning pain into purpose
AMU ages are independent editorial opinions. They are not legal classifications and are not issued by the Classification Board, the MPAA, or any other official classification body. Official labels on this site, such as PG or R, come from those bodies or our data sources, not from AMU. AMU guides are not a substitute for official classification. Cuts and details can differ by version. Use them as one input only. You decide what is right for your family.
Story (may spoil tone)
Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at 15, John Davidson navigates his way against the odds through troubled teenage years and into adulthood, finding inspiration in the kindness of others to discover his true purpose in life.
Details
Violence Brief fights and playground cruelty; nothing sustained or graphic
Brief fights and playground cruelty; nothing sustained or graphic
Language Involuntary and deliberate swearing, including c-word and f-word, drive…
Involuntary and deliberate swearing, including c-word and f-word, drives much of the conflict
Sex / nudity Verbal sex references including masturbation; no nudity reported
Verbal sex references including masturbation; no nudity reported
Drugs / alcohol Social drinking in adult scenes; not a plot focus
Social drinking in adult scenes; not a plot focus
Frightening Bullying and hospital tension may unsettle younger viewers
Bullying and hospital tension may unsettle younger viewers
Self-harm / suicide A teen suicide attempt is part of the true-story arc
A teen suicide attempt is part of the true-story arc
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse School-age bullying and a teen suicide attempt are part of the true-sto…
School-age bullying and a teen suicide attempt are part of the true-story arc
Bullying / discrimination School ostracism and slurs toward John's tics are central to the first…
School ostracism and slurs toward John's tics are central to the first act
Gore / death / weapons No gore found in this title
No gore found in this title
Dangerous behaviour No dangerous behavior found in this title
No dangerous behavior found in this title
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health Tourette's, shame, and recovery shape the entire narrative
Tourette's, shame, and recovery shape the entire narrative
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Family strain and loss of normalcy echo through John's youth
Family strain and loss of normalcy echo through John's youth
Talk after watching
- Tourette's tics include slurs John does not mean. How can viewers separate condition from intent?
- Bullying and a suicide attempt are part of John's story. Check in on empathy and support resources.
- The film celebrates speaking up for others. What causes matter to your family?