Dave struggles with his Tourettes while on a date with Jess | TIC Dark Comedy Short

Dave (Will Merrick, Skins, Dead Pixels, About Time) struggles to keep his Tourettes on the down low while on a date with Jess (Emma Mackey, Sex Education).
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TIC
Written & Directed by Josef Bates
www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/...
"First impressions are really important, especially in the dating world. If you mess-up that first date, there probably won’t be a second. Josef Bates’ short film TIC invites its audience to play third wheel on one such encounter, as we get a table-side seat when the nervous Dave (Will Merrick) meets Jess (Emma Mackey) at a restaurant. A car-crash comedy, that’s as uncomfortable as it is funny, will Dave be able to beat his Tourettes and win the heart of his potential partner?
Based on his own experiences, Bates was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome at 14 and struggled to deal with his condition throughout school and his adolescence. “My Tourettes acted in a very similar way to Dave’s in the film (Maybe without the leg-stabbing and violence)”, the director reveals, “I wanted to make a film which demonstrated this un-seen look at Tourettes.”
Hoping to alter preconceptions about Tourettes, that Bates believes have been “ingrained in peoples minds due to the amount of reality shows and documentaries on the subject”, he wanted to show tourettes can be funny, but for more than just swearing. “The awkwardness and ridiculousness of the disorder is where the humour comes from”, Bates explains. “It’s ok to laugh! Just know why you’re laughing.”
Driven by the performances of it’s talented cast - Will Merrick (Skins) and Emma Mackey (Sex Education) play dating duo Dave & Jess - Bates used improv in rehearsal to bring the words on the page to life and inject his short with energy and fun. The pleasure/amusement the director and his team put into the short shines brightly when viewing TIC and really adds to the impact of the film.
It’s a story based on the director’s real life struggles, but he’s allowing us to laugh at what most will find agonizingly uncomfortable. Bates uses humor to not only provide entertainment in his short, but to help spread the message of his piece in an easily digestible manner. He gets his point across, makes you reconsider any assumptions you might have made about Tourettes without it ever feeling preachy and he didn’t need to put a PSA-type message before his end credits to do so.
TIC is is now in the process of being developed as a TV show for Channel 4 and Josef says he’s excited to “expand on the story we started with Dave and Jess and provide more of a world for these characters.” - S/W Rob Munday
Dave - Will Merrick
Jess - Emma Mackey
Phil - Phil Dunster
Waiter - Zaqi Ismail
Screenwriter - Josef Bates & Hayley West
DOP - Franklin Dow
Editor - Patrick Walsh
Production Designer - Elena Muntoni
Costume - Holly Smart
Make up - Charlotte Trendell, Charlotte Craftman
1st AD - Ato Yankey
Reproduced on this channel with the permission of the filmmakers.

[@rohitgfv647]

I'm here because of , Emma Mackey, anyone else?? I loved her character (Maeve) and acting in sex education

[@urbabygirl4993]

Well I'm here because I love Will Merrick, Alo from Skins and an amazing actor

[@raerae6422]

His acting was outstanding. So impressed

[@micgracemusicgmail]

seriously!

[@emilypaulse9034]

as someone with tics, it made me so angry how she reacted because that’s how people react to me and it’s not always what people expect and people don’t understand what it’s like because they don’t go through it

[@dlwarner08]

Well i would react the same if my date cut her arm off

[@chemicalwonderland2492]

she was clearly just confused because he didnt tell her before they met.

[@getyourbandsup4860]

@@chemicalwonderland2492 what its a sketch they are acting

[@ianlogan6632]

Well, durrrr. People don’t understand, they are unsure, and you become angry.? You clearly don’t understand others. Check your sense of entitlement. Most but the emotionally comatose react to such situations in their own personal and varied manner. But you with anger. Anger eats the angry.

[@the_gubler4605]

I have a tic disorder not touretts but I get the same thing and it's so terrible to think that people actually would want to have it...it's kind of terrifying.

[@lindasimons691]

My son has tourette's & has always had a sence of humor about it. His friends don't care. Sometimes it is pretty funny.

[@ArielCotton]

I just wanted to fast forward to the end. I was so uncomfortable for him

[@Earthstar444]

Me too but I managed to stay through. When he stabbed himself I cringed so bad

[@ArielCotton]

@@Earthstar444 Right! Lol We go from uncomfortable for him, to uncomfortable because of him. Hahaha

[@siddharthkhirwar7192]

I believe that this short film actually speaks up against the discrimination people with Tourettes actually go through . I believe the dark humor was quite effective in showing how harsh society is towards people with Tourettes . It even showed the female lead to be an asshole in many cases instead of the stereotypicaI non-judgmental pretty girl.I like the fact that it didn't go the strawberry world route where everyone considers people with Tourettes to be normal and treat people who have it with respect , but instead showed how cruel and apathetic people can be towards people who have it and it makes the message all the more effective and made me feel all the more bad for him . And I loved the part where the protagonist was recounting tales in his past . It was quite touching and heart-breaking .

[@ianlogan6632]

No, the “Tourette’s” is a metaphor for male shyness; his arm represented his penis. It was not about tourettes; it was about “toxic masculinity”.

[@mikeredd2608]

@@ianlogan6632 disagreeing doesn't make you more intelligent bozo

[@WordUnheard]

I've gotta hand it to you, I did not see that ending coming at all.

[@kriskelvin5775]

I see what you did there.

[@detrajackson5992]

Oh my goodness! Ahhh! The actress cracked me UP @ 2:24 when she asked him if he wanted a beer to loosen up, Lucie Goosie!

[@RossMacHattie]

How in god's name have 52 people disliked this video?! This short is phenomenal, it speaks on so many levels whilst being entertaining at the same time. What's not to love?

[@yazzythecattyweirdo188]

Don't be too surprised...KZbin for whatever reason has these stupid bots disliking videos to keep them "balanced"

[@Larrystylinsonforever28]

This was excruciating to watch but it was so powerful. Tourette's isn't what a person is, it's just an added challenge. Hell, living like that can't be easy. Hats off to anyone that does - you guys are warriors. Much love x

[@deliveryg]

Skins and sex education. Noice

[@ArielCotton]

What a wonderful way to portray a young man's fears in a comedic way. Cheers young man. I loved it so much..

[@giulianojahn]

"Based on a true story, mostly." - SORRY WHAT?

[@grisellimay]

I'm less than two minutes in and I've been extremely uncomfortable by how people have just been constantly starring

[@Cartier_specialist]

This is great and Emma Mackey is a beauty.

[@ginandromeda1618]

That dude looks just like that redhead boy from Hotel Transylvania

[@louloumes]

LOL ILL TELL HIM THAT HES MY COUSIN

[@ginandromeda1618]

@@louloumes loool, really? Tell him that Gin says hi and that his acting was neat. But for real, his face is sort of cartoonish

[@louloumes]

@@ginandromeda1618 sure lmao x

[@stasha121]

How painfully awkward and hilarious! My jaw is still dropped at that ending...

[@sorad5791]

I showed my partner and he noticed that the cutting off of the arm was symbolic of ridding himself of the tics. His tics had stopped when he came back, but the arm was still reacting/ticing on the floor. Amazing! Great short film

[@asafupps]

I’ve got a persistent tic disorder, not as bad as him and yikes am I glad it’s not. I have so much respect for anyone dealing with more difficult forms of it.

[@jayess8714]

The thing that I enjoy most about this film is just how divisive it is - I honestly can't tell if it was enjoyable or painful to watch, and I think that's a good thing! I think?

[@rebeccabrodkey]

Oh my god it's maeve and alo?!

[@frishf8888]

This film made me feel embarrassed to have Tourette's As someone with Tourette's I'm disappointed to see that a neurological disorder that people can't control continues to only be used as a comedy trope, I think it's embarrassing that a film that had the potential to show how harmless the disorder actually is, instead pushes the stigma that people with Tourette's (or any mental illness) are a danger to society

[@nerd1858]

I guess it depends on how you personally view it. I have a friend w tourette's & she loved this short.

[@shortoftheweek]

We're sorry you felt this way Zak. The writer/director Josef Bates uses humor to document his own struggles with Tourettes Syndrome. He discusses it further in our review: www.shortoftheweek.com/2020/04/14/tic/

[@authentive]

Have to say that I agree, Zak. This could have been so much more interesting, but the writer chose to just adhere to a stereotype (despite his own insight into the syndrome) and gave us a childish, twisted take on Tourette's, rather than use the opportunity to give a more developed understanding. He could totally have kept it funny without going for such an obvious laugh. What a missed opportunity.

[@Often_Uneliable]

Personally I felt bad for the guy this entire time, but that's the great thing about film it has alot of interpretations. I do agree though the weird "idle hands" ending missed the mark for me and was much more invested when it was just showcasing his ticks.

[@spidersheep992]

I also have TS and I think it showed the often unrepresented physical side of it. It’s a lot better than most of the stuff out there and I personally had no problem with it.

[@jonahw.3435]

This was oddly hilarious and physically painful to watch at the same time...interesting way to visualize tourettes😂

[@yukoissmol7051]

Stop saying tourettes are funny, you probably don't have them so you can't understand

[@emily-sq3fh]

it’s not funny , i am someone with Tourette’s and it makes me so mad when people make fun or laugh at my tics.

[@sewercotr3243]

Isn't also some wut alian hand synd

[@armoneedeadm0n517]

​@@yukoissmol7051its a dark comedy for a reason they aren't saying tourettes is funny why is everyone so soft 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@armoneedeadm0n517]

​@@emily-sq3fhthe short is a dark comedy... i doubt they are calling tourettes funny just some of the situations you can find yourself in with torrettes

[@jewelhaines8842]

WoW!! The acting was awesome!! I loved this!! 🥰

[@yusefendure]

The entire cast deserves praise, but Will Merrick gave an Oscar-worthy performance. Much respect to Josef Bates & Hayley West. This film was next-level. Wow. At no point could I chart the path of this story. Brilliant.

[@shlokamsrivastava6782]

The ending was hilarious 🤣. Yeah but this film is so important.

[@machg.1751]

This short was SO GOOD!!! I missed seeing Will in stuff! Needless to say, both Emma and Will did an astounding job and i look forward to their next performances 🔥🔥

[@eg1197]

Both great actor and actress. Good film that's a fun learning experience and good insight what's Tourette is👍

[@StephenFreakingBean]

I wish that had ended differently, like she was okay with all of it. But that probably was how it ended in the real story so I get why. But before the ending I thought it was an absolutely incredible film. One of the best shorts I've ever seen.

[@gemstar7286]

He was covered in BLOOD like a serial killer, how exactly can anyone ignore that like it's normal??. I found the whole knife thing extreme. I know it was a dark comedy but still .

[@Garbinge]

This was SO good! I literally watch an entire series about this guy lol

[@spacerboi]

That was a tough watch.

[@xx_noah8221]

This is a very relatable video, I have Tourette’s and something similar happened to me like this in class a couple of weeks ago

[@RossMacHattie]

You chopped off your own arm?!

[@ngwatilomawiyoo3494]

@xx_Noah co-asks​@@RossMacHattie

[@emily-sq3fh]

as a person with Tourette’s i hate classes and public places

[@_spilled_milk_pro-champion3871]

@@emily-sq3fh same. I especially hate the bus.

[@shlokamsrivastava6782]

I have tics God help me 😢

[@harrycain5912]

This was both hilarious, painful to watch, infuriating and relateable. Fantastic acting

[@RoadRunnerMeep]

That's some good ass acting. I wasn't expecting the ending

[@nct127squad6]

felt sad when the waiter just dropped the menu to him while he gave the girl by hand

[@coltonwhitehouse5660]

I’ve got Tourette’s and I thought it was hilarious

[@Reapinangel91]

That was too damn funny, the dark humor is perfectly over the top. I'm sure many people with the same condition feel this from time to time. I just couldn't help but laugh my ass off at the whole last few minutes. I mean could you imagine walking in on someone in the bathroom fighting themselves? Like WTF, then the arm just killed me hahahahahaha

[@harrycain5912]

Funny for other people, not so much for the guy fighting himself 😅 .

[@ChelseaLupkin]

I love a dark comedy and how this explores Tourettes! I did NOT expect that haha

[@Ruendran]

Oddly compelling, and quite quirky. Her mico-expressions are both realistic and subtle... The twist is a unique surprise.

[@mrsilveri]

Emma Mackey, yes!

[@Trippybeans16]

I loved it🤣 I absolutely did not expect the ending tho🥲

[@gemstar7286]

I only found it funny when he threw the menu on the floor , the whole of it was frustration and awkwardness. Also how silly was the woman for treating it like it was something "cool". I didn't expect him to chop his arm off though lol .

[@markygreenall8645]

My Dad has slight tourettes, only little ticks and movements, used to get worse when he was stressed, lovely man. He is 84 this year, still has it but a great life .

[@manchi699]

I am in love with Emma actually .... she is really talented 🙂🥰💕

[@tagj.6966]

“Wow! He try’s so hard! Whoa! Aweeee give up!” - my tics

[@Yubeta1]

Excellent acting 💯

[@bbbfffds8]

Oof this was so good! Watched for Phil actually but I really loved this story.

[@nativesunnation8323]

Bwahahahahahaha!! I literally lol...Great job!

[@TheBunnyTricksLab]

nice work

[@yazzythecattyweirdo188]

I've been contemplating whether I should laugh or feel bad...I don't know what to do anymore

[@harrycain5912]

Laugh at him. Feel bad for the real people with severe tourettes. 👍🏻

[@runayomozuki8494]

What is this movie I wanna watch it XD

[@nils.klinger]

well... that was intense.

[@lichtfilme]

Really great

[@0Myszka]

Nice short. Wait... the girl is not in the end credits? Why?

[@Kritzelpaul]

look again

[@gneraidas676]

A really different Maeve Willy 😥

[@buzzvideochannel]

Goes to places you weren't expecting

[@Fishvillian118]

Dark comedy, I loved it. I've known a few people who have tourrettes, this was a little overboard but funny as hell.

[@tourettispaghetti9809]

Well that was... something-

[@rameshramesh.b3802]

The leading actor was amazing

[@detrajackson5992]

Idk I would think he should be on medication as bad as this is for him. OR just let your date know beforehand. Let them determine whether they can handle it or not. Most people would be surprised at what others can handle if given the opportunity to do so.

[@spidersheep992]

Detra Jackson I agree with telling the date, I personally always do that. I think it’s important to mention that there is no specific medication for Tourette’s. Some help some people but can make it worse for others. Sometimes the negative side effects are just not worth it. Sometimes none of them work.

[@joycetaiwo4576]

He shouldn't have to go through that. He shouldn't have to force himself to endure😭😭😭😭he's so cute

[@4agony777]

I spilled my drink when the waiter walked in to a decapitated arm

[@jonesba2004]

Watch this until the end. The actual end.

[@aniket.l.4833]

That Dark humours are crazy 💀

[@micknordstrom2591]

Wow! That acting was out of this world! And she was so pretty, like Nina Hagen when she was young!

[@Vman_95]

Imagine joker with tourettes 💀

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

🐝 dont bother. Ok next war please 😂

[@angela.escobar]

Maeveee

[@princekumr1372]

Which is that background music

[@SchnellRYT]

as someone with Tourette's, I didn't particularly like this short film. I felt pretty ashamed to have Tourette's portrayed in this way. I'm all for Tourette's awareness but just in the right way if that makes sense.

[@SchnellRYT]

@Not AI agree

[@spidersheep992]

Why is everyone with TS saying they didn’t like it? I have it and my physical tics are about on the same level as the guy in the short- I think it showed that it’s not all about the coprolalia. Obviously we need more things representing the milder side of it, and the ending was sort of odd, but it is fictional.

[@SchnellRYT]

@@spidersheep992 I didn't like it really because of the excessive part at the end tbh. As you said, it was "fictional", I would prefer a video with realism of tourette's. I did feel a bit ashamed when I watched the video. I would like people to know what tourette's is and what it is like to have it and I feel like this video doesn't portray that in a humble way.

[@SchnellRYT]

@Not A I plan to. I have a tourette's awareness account on Instagram.

[@Pyropuca]

@@SchnellRYT Hello, I'm planning to write a character with Tourette Syndrome. I'm doing research, could you help me?

[@smunden20]

From the thumbnail, the actress looked alot like Margot Robbie!

[@ianlogan6632]

He has disarmed his affliction, cool.

[@rhondajeanne2443]

Brilliant

[@mcbluematter]

Very dope and unusual !

[@Decrayer]

Wow, that was intense.

[@CaterpillarTown]

Just tell her you have it-

[@Cement_Feathered_Bird]

Will Merrick is great.

[@shlokamsrivastava6782]

I too have tics. God this is horrible 😢

[@StinaMariaxo]

This is actually just a documentary on Ethan and hila first date.

[@Garbinge]

🤣

[@maria-yp3oi]

"dO yOu AcTuAlLy HaVe ToUrEtTeS?!" bro the amount of times someone asked that when i told them i have tourettes or explain why im ticing is fucking annoying>

[@joycetaiwo4576]

Omg the ending 😭😭😭😭🤕🤕

[@realgoodmind]

That was great

[@shlokamsrivastava6782]

This guy is so handsome.

[@froylanvera3911]

I love emma mackey

[@anrijupiter]

Emma, i love you ❤️

[@Eva-me9pv]

It’s Maeve (Emma) from sex education!!

[@AlphaShadow1]

Guy looks like he's been attacked by a fuckin werewolf or something LOL

[@salchichon4198]

Is this supossed to be a dark comedy? I never felt more uncomfortable watching something...

[@pradipnalodh]

Awesome

[@leif1075]

Has anyone else wondered if we mived in a society where there was no such thing as curse words or nonwords were considered profanity or taboo, would people with Tourette's still curse or just say random words or sounds? I'm seriously sincerely asking..I'd guess they maybe wouldn't say curse sords amd just maybe make grunting sound or nonsense sylables to express frustration maybe?

[@DobleD06]

No entiendo lo que dicen pero igual me hace gracia 😂😂😂

[@rayisweird]

this was painful to watch😭😭

[@dvrcreates8874]

she talks about adam ladell

[@krishelfferich3487]

Ever wonder ...If there were no such things as swear words...???

[@moguanime5091]

Nice acting

[@Sandman_Slim]

Fake it til you make it.

[@R.s10270]

Maeve 😍

[@kesr5259]

🥺🥺💖💖. I love her whoever she is. UK Actor gets Canadian Love

[@ginandromeda1618]

You should see her on Sex Education, she's freaking amazing! I love her character a lot

[@rishi1363]

Yeah.. her name is Emma mackey. Watch sex education she is brilliant in that. I love her a lot.

[@R.s10270]

Watch sex education bro

[@joeowens6180]

Oh that beautiful redheaded Irishman - a fantastic and extremely difficult role to play. Common sense would dictate that somehow he should be in a protected environment. Totally terrfying - and yet no one thought to call for help. The people were all so indifferent when they should at least have been caring enough for the boy's protection.

[@celinakay4367]

I didn't think anything about this was funny. It was uncomfortable and kind of sad honestly, but compelling at the same time. Overall, I liked it tho

[@mzhotniz86]

She looks like a brunette version of Margot Robbie