The first trailer for Onwards and Sideways has been released, offering a first look at the upcoming drama starring Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Madden, the film follows two strangers whose lives unexpectedly change when they are both diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on the same morning. The film will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival later this month before arriving in UK cinemas on November 6.
Onwards and Sideways follows Tony Evans, played by Rhys Ifans, a deputy head at a primary school in North Norfolk, and Emma Dretzin, played by Laura Linney, a pianist, composer and single mother of two daughters. The two have no connection until an unexpected encounter brings them together.
Their lives take a dramatic turn when both receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis on the same morning. Rather than focusing solely on the medical aspects of the condition, the film explores how Tony and Emma respond to the changes in their lives and gradually form an unexpected friendship.
The film has been described as an emotional and surprisingly funny story about two people who share a love of humour and dance while confronting the same difficult diagnosis. Their growing friendship becomes the heart of the story as they attempt to find a way forward while facing an uncertain future.
The newly released trailer introduces Tony and Emma before showing how quickly their circumstances change. It offers glimpses of the pair coming to terms with their diagnosis while continuing to hold on to their personalities, relationships and sense of humour.
Music, dancing and comedy feature alongside the more emotional moments as their friendship develops. Rather than defining Tony and Emma entirely through their illness, the film focuses on who they are beyond the diagnosis and the connection they find in each other.
The story has a particularly personal connection for writer Paul Mayhew-Archer, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease himself in 2011. Mayhew-Archer has spoken about his experience of living with the condition and is also a co-host of the Parkinson’s podcast Movers and Shakers. He wrote the screenplay for Onwards and Sideways, drawing on his own experience.
Linney plays Emma, while Ifans takes on the role of Tony. Linney is known for films and series including Ozark, Love Actually and John Adams. Ifans has appeared in projects including House of the Dragon, Venom: The Last Dance and Inheritance. The supporting cast includes Monica Dolan as Liz Evans and Rory Kinnear as Professor Ridge, while Mayhew-Archer also appears in the film.
Madden directs the film from Mayhew-Archer’s screenplay. The director is known for Shakespeare in Love and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, while Mayhew-Archer’s previous writing credits include The Vicar of Dibley and Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot.
Madden has described the film as a story centred on friendship, humour, emotion, music and dance. He also reunites with composer Thomas Newman, who previously worked with him on The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The film was shot in North Norfolk, with production taking place around Fakenham.
Onwards and Sideways will premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Gala Presentations programme before its November 6 UK theatrical release through Icon Film Distribution. The film will also air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year. Hilltop Screen produced the film for John Gore Studios and the BBC, with Hilary Bevan Jones and John Gore serving as producers and Kaleidoscope Film Distribution handling worldwide sales.
With Linney and Ifans at the centre, Onwards and Sideways explores how two people can discover an unexpected connection while facing a life-changing diagnosis. By balancing its difficult subject with humour, music and friendship, the film looks at what it means to find a way forward when the future suddenly looks very different.
