Rhys Ifans and Laura Linney Lead New Parkinson’s Film
Welsh actor Rhys Ifans and Oscar‑nominated Laura Linney star in the BBC drama ‘Onwards and Sideways’, a humor‑infused look at Parkinson’s disease debuting Nov 6.
The BBC’s newest drama, Onwards and Sideways, follows teacher Tony (Rhys Ifans) and musician Emma (Laura Linney) as they receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis on the same morning. The pair are given “five good years” by a blunt doctor and decide to make the most of that time, weaving their lives together in a story that blends romance, tragedy and comedy.
Directed by John Madden – best known for the Oscar‑winning Shakespeare in Love – the film was written by Paul Mayhew‑Archer, co‑creator of the beloved British sitcom The Vicar of Dibley. Mayhew‑Archer, who lives with Parkinson’s himself, brings personal experience to the script.
Release date: 6 November 2026 (nationwide UK release)
Runtime: 112 minutes
Production: BBC, filmed in Norfolk and London
Genre: Drama with comedic elements
How the film tackles Parkinson’s disease
Both actors spent weeks in dance‑therapy classes to understand how movement can help people with Parkinson’s. Linney trained with the Mark Morris Dance Group’s “Dance for PD” program in Brooklyn, while Ifans attended weekly sessions at Pontio, an arts centre in Bangor, Wales.
In the film, Ifans’s character experiences night terrors that drive him to nearly throttle Linney’s character, while Linney’s character collapses in his arms after a gambling‑induced financial ruin – both moments rooted in the neurological symptoms of the disease, such as tremors, stiffness and “freezing” episodes.
Mayhew‑Archer avoids the trap of “inspiration porn” by portraying the characters as fully‑fledged people whose illness informs, but does not define, their choices. As the Upcoming notes, the script “draws on his lived experience, representing what it is to live with Parkinson’s without shying away from the broad and complicated spectrum of emotions it brings.”
Why the cast matters
Rhys Ifans, 59, rose to fame with the cult classic Twin Town and later appeared in Notting Hill and Mr Nice. Laura Linney, 62, is a three‑time Oscar nominee known for roles in The Truman Show, Mystic River and the TV series Ozark. Their chemistry, built without a traditional “chemistry read”, was forged through shared dance practice and candid conversations about mortality.
“It’s odd,” Ifans told The Guardian, “you learn so much about each other so quickly… but we both know how we feel about death and dying.” Linney echoed that sentiment, describing the dance classes as “incredibly moving” and a “great leveller” where a nuclear scientist and a school cleaner share the same rhythm.
What critics are saying
The film has been praised for its tonal balance. The Upcoming calls the narrative “an examination of Parkinson’s, a love story, a tragedy and a comedy” that “refuses to tie itself down, just as it refuses to do so to its protagonists.” Critics highlight the “practically electric” chemistry between Ifans and Linney and note that the story “refuses to become overwhelming” despite juggling multiple emotional beats.
Both reviewers agree that the film educates audiences about the mental impact of Parkinson’s while keeping the characters’ humanity front and centre.
When and where to watch
British audiences can see the film in cinemas from 6 November 2026. The BBC has announced plans for a U.S. streaming release later this winter, likely on its global platform BBC iPlayer or a partner service. American viewers can expect subtitles for the occasional Welsh‑language dialogue and a modest price for digital rental – roughly $5‑$7 USD, comparable to other new‑release streaming titles.
For those interested in the real‑world dance‑therapy programs featured in the movie, the Mark Morris Dance Group offers “Dance for PD” classes in New York, while Pontio continues its weekly sessions in Bangor, Wales.
Key takeaways
“Onwards and Sideways” blends humor and heartbreak to portray Parkinson’s disease.
Rhys Ifans and Laura Linney prepared through dance‑therapy classes to authentically depict their characters.
Writer Paul Mayhew‑Archer draws on his own diagnosis, lending credibility to the script.
Critics praise the film’s balanced tone and strong performances.
U.S. streaming release expected in early 2027, with a rental price around $5‑$7.
