CMEDIA/Toronto: Directed by Oscar-nominated John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), screen-played by Paul Mayhew-Archer, a TV writer, TIFF’s 2026 Gala Presentation ‘Onwards and Sideways’ world-premiered on Sep 13 starring Oscar nominee Laura Linney (played by Emma) (TIFF ’08’s The Savages) and Rhys Ifans (played by Tony) (TIFF ’23’s Mother Couch) both being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease one after the other.
Tony , a widowed deputy headteacher, and Emma, an American composer and single mother single of two daughters. Neither knows the other until a startling encounter when they were told by a neurologist (played by Rory Kinnear) that they have “five good years” left before things really go downhill. Tony’s son lives abroad and his only real support comes from nagging Liz (played by Monica Dolan). Deciding to keep his diagnosis a secret at work from fear of losing his job as well as out of shame, Tony seeks solace in the companionship of Emma. After a few interactions with Emma, the pair grow closer, first as friends and then romantically. Both Tony and Emma attend a regular group for those who have Parkinson’s, a so-called “ballet” class that provides both exercise and support. Screenwriter Mayhew-Archer’s character, along with his script, brings an effective sense of realistic optimism. One of the most heart-wrenching moments sees Emma’s hand tremor return after she thought a new drug regimen had fixed it – so these characters have to figure out how to live with it, both physically and mentally.
Although providing hope without an empty promise is no easy feat, Mayhew-Archer’s ‘Onwards and Sideways’ is a stark reminder of Tony and Emma’s journey that even when life takes away the things we once took for granted, there can still be love, laughter and reasons to keep moving forward.
Born in Portsmouth, John Madden’ s directorial credits include the features Proof (05) and The Debt (21), both of which played the Festival, Shakespeare in Love (98), which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Director, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (11), Miss Sloane (16), and Operation Mincemeat (21). Onwards and Sideways (26) is his latest film.
