A Love Story With a Twist: John Madden's Parkinson's Drama 'Onwards and Sideways'

When Love Meets Life's Unpredictable Twists

I never thought I'd see a romantic drama that starts with a diagnosis—especially one that doesn't flinch at the brutal realities of Parkinson's disease. But that's exactly what John Madden has crafted in his latest film, Onwards and Sideways, now making its way to TIFF after nearly a decade of development.

"That opened up a different kettle of fish," Madden says when reflecting on how the script evolved from a simple 'boy meets girl' story into something much more emotionally complex. "It ended up being much more involving than one had anticipated."

The film follows Emma (Laura Linney) and Tony (Rhys Ifans), two strangers who are diagnosed with Parkinson's on the same morning at the same hospital. What could have been a tragic coincidence becomes a deeply intimate journey of love, resilience, and self-discovery—especially when their neurologist gives them only five years to live.

Realism Over Drama

Madden has always had a gift for bringing authenticity to screen, but here, that commitment is more vital than ever. The script, based on real-life experiences of Paul Mayhew-Archer—a BAFTA nominee and Parkinson's advocate—was initially seen as a challenge by Madden. He admits the material needed work, but he also saw its potential to touch hearts and minds.

"Most of us, in some way or another, are a degree or two of separation away from the condition," Madden observes. "You don't have to go very far before you bump into that." This sentiment underpins the emotional resonance of the film, especially for audiences who've experienced loss or uncertainty firsthand.

Breaking Barriers Through Art

While Onwards and Sideways doesn't follow the traditional festival route of its predecessor Shakespeare in Love, which catapulted Madden into the global spotlight, it's a bold move that underscores his dedication to meaningful storytelling. The film's journey from script to screen has been shaped by deep collaboration with consultants who worked closely to ensure the portrayal of Parkinson's was accurate and respectful.

Madden's approach to casting was also deliberate—working with Ifans and Linney separately before they met in rehearsal, he allowed their chemistry to develop naturally. The result? A performance that feels raw, unfiltered, and deeply honest. "The way they respond to one another was fantastic," Madden says. "Particularly given that they were acting completely out of chronological order and working with a condition that actually had to be minutely calibrated from moment to moment."

The Human Side of Illness

What sets this film apart isn't just the subject matter—it's how it treats illness as part of life, not a barrier to joy. The narrative unfolds in five chapters, each one chronicling a different phase of Emma and Tony's relationship as they navigate their diagnosis. From initial shock to the quiet acceptance of their fate, the journey feels lived-in rather than scripted.

The film doesn't shy away from the physical realities of Parkinson's—its tremors, its limitations—but it also finds moments of beauty in small gestures, shared silences, and unexpected joy. In many ways, Onwards and Sideways is a meditation on what it means to love someone when time feels fleeting.

A Return to TIFF

Madden's return to TIFF after 16 years—with The Debt and Proof—is more than a nostalgic gesture. It signals a filmmaker who continues to evolve, pushing boundaries while staying true to his roots. And this time around, he brings a film that speaks not just to the heart but also to the soul.

"He doesn't belabor his own condition," Madden says of Mayhew-Archer. "He's on record as saying it's one of the best things that ever happened to him."

It's that defiant spirit, both in the character and the story, that makes Onwards and Sideways a triumph of empathy over pity—a film that reminds us how love can transcend even our most difficult circumstances.