'Onwards And Sideways' Team Rhys Ifans, Laura Linney & John Madden On Making A Parkinson's Story That Finds Laughter & Love In The Unexpected — Toronto

Actors Rhys Ifans and Laura Linney star in a new film called Onwards and Sideways. It is about two people whose lives change when they are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. John Madden directed it. Both actors said the role felt like a big responsibility. Linney said she was very nervous about playing it well. Ifans said the film uses laughter as well as sadness. The script was written by Paul Mayhew-Archer, who has Parkinson's himself.

Parkinson's disease affects millions of people around the world. It causes shaking and makes movement harder over time. There is no cure, but treatment can help. Madden also directed Shakespeare in Love. The film tells the story of Tony, a deputy headteacher, and Emma, a musician and single mother. They meet by chance and are diagnosed on the same morning. The story follows their growing friendship.

Parkinson's touches many families. A warm film about it can help people understand the disease and feel less alone.