# Onwards and Sideways Review

> Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans shine in gentle Parkinson's drama.
- Title: Onwards and Sideways Review · Variety | Shortify
- Summary: Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans shine in gentle Parkinson's drama. Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans deliver compelling performances in John Madden's tender…
- Keywords: onwards and sideways, laura linney, rhys ifans, john madden, parkinson's disease, rural england, entertainment, culture, Onwards, Sideways, Review, Variety
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/onwards-and-sideways-review-1236865721
- Author: Guy Lodge
- Published: 2026-09-17T16:40:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: onwards and sideways, laura linney, rhys ifans, john madden, parkinson's disease, rural england, entertainment, culture
## Diagnosis begins
Two strangers get diagnosed with parkinson's disease on the same day.

> The day they're both diagnosed
## Shared struggle
They explore living with parkinson's together in rural england.

> The disease's debilitating effects on body and mind
## Firsthand insight
Paul mayhew-arthur brings personal parkinson's experience to the film.

> Veteran tv comedy writer and parkinson's activist
## Strong performances
Laura linney and rhys ifans give the film emotional depth.

> Both superb as strangers initially blindsided by diagnosis
## Gentle hope
The film finds uplift in shared parkinson's journey.

> More uplift than expected in a story of two people living with it
## Key takeaway

Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans deliver compelling performances in John Madden's tender Parkinson's story.