Onwards and Sideways

Tony Evans is deputy head of a primary school. Emma Dretzin is a musician and composer, and single mother of two daughters. Neither knows the other. Until a startling encounter changes the course of their lives.

On the same morning, these two are simultaneously confronted with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

This film is the story of Tony and Emma - a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly. A story of humour and emotion, of challenge and bravado, of music and dance - transcending the assumptions of a little understood condition, and triumphing over the odds to find joy, release and love.

A powerful, life-affirming British drama from Academy Award-nominated Director John Madden (Shakespeare in Love, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Onwards and Sideways stars BAFTA Award-winner Rhys Ifans (Inheritance, House of the Dragon), Academy Award-nominee Laura Linney (Ozark, Love Actually), Monica Dolan (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Sherwood), and Rory Kinnear (The Diplomat, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power).

Age Rating:

15

Language:

English

Content / Trigger Warnings:

strong language

Director:

John Madden

Cast:

Rhys Ifans, Laura Linney, Monica Dolan, Rory Kinnear

Company:

Icon

Trailers:

20 mins

Year of Release:

2026

Audio Described:

Yes

Onwards and Sideways Tony Evans is deputy head of a primary school. Emma Dretzin is a musician and composer, and single mother of two daughters. Neither knows the other. Until a startling encounter changes the course of their lives. On the same morning, these two are simultaneously confronted with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.This film is the story of Tony and Emma - a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly. A story of humour and emotion, of challenge and bravado, of music and dance - transcending the assumptions of a little understood condition, and triumphing over the odds to find joy, release and love.A powerful, life-affirming British drama from Academy Award-nominated Director John Madden (Shakespeare in Love, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Onwards and Sideways stars BAFTA Award-winner Rhys Ifans (Inheritance, House of the Dragon), Academy Award-nominee Laura Linney (Ozark, Love Actually), Monica Dolan (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Sherwood), and Rory Kinnear (The Diplomat, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power).Age Rating:15Language:EnglishContent / Trigger Warnings:strong languageDirector:John MaddenCast:Rhys Ifans, Laura Linney, Monica Dolan, Rory KinnearCompany:IconTrailers:20 minsYear of Release:2026Audio Described:Yes Audio Described 15 Cinema