When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, Dance Anyway: Reflections on 'Onwards and Sideways'
There’s something profoundly human about stories that confront adversity with humor, grace, and a touch of rebellion. When I first heard about Onwards and Sideways, the upcoming film starring Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans, I was immediately struck by its premise: two strangers, diagnosed with Parkinson’s on the same day, forming an unlikely bond. It’s not just the star power that grabbed my attention—though Linney and Ifans are undeniably compelling—but the audacity of the narrative itself. Parkinson’s, a condition often shrouded in silence and stigma, is rarely portrayed with such defiance and joy.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the film seems to flip the script on what we expect from stories about illness. Instead of a somber, tear-jerking drama, Onwards and Sideways promises a celebration of life, humor, and connection. Directed by John Madden, whose work on Shakespeare in Love and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel showcases his ability to blend emotion with wit, this film feels like a love letter to resilience. But it’s the screenplay by Paul Mayhew-Archer, himself diagnosed with Parkinson’s, that adds a layer of authenticity and urgency. This isn’t just a story about Parkinson’s—it’s a story from Parkinson’s, and that distinction matters.
The Power of Unexpected Friendships
One thing that immediately stands out is the central relationship between Tony (Ifans) and Emma (Linney). Their friendship, born out of shared circumstance, feels both specific and universal. We’ve all had moments where a stranger becomes a lifeline, but what’s unique here is the backdrop of their diagnosis. Parkinson’s, with its physical and emotional challenges, could easily isolate them, yet the film suggests it becomes a catalyst for connection.
From my perspective, this dynamic raises a deeper question: How do we find joy in the face of uncertainty? The trailer hints at dance and music as forms of rebellion, a way for Tony and Emma to reclaim their bodies and their lives. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—dance, often associated with fluidity and control, becomes an act of defiance for characters whose bodies are betraying them. What this really suggests is that joy isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.
A Cultural Shift in How We Talk About Illness
What many people don’t realize is how rarely chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s are depicted with nuance in media. They’re either tragic backdrops or inspirational monologues. Onwards and Sideways seems to reject both extremes, opting instead for something messier and more honest. The inclusion of humor—a hallmark of Mayhew-Archer’s writing—is particularly bold. Laughter, after all, is a form of resistance, a way to humanize what often feels dehumanizing.
If you take a step back and think about it, this film is part of a larger cultural shift. We’re moving away from stories that treat illness as a plot device and toward narratives that explore the complexity of living with it. Think of The Fault in Our Stars or Still Alice—films that don’t shy away from hardship but also refuse to define their characters by their diagnoses. Onwards and Sideways feels like the next evolution in this trend, adding a dose of irreverence and hope.
The Role of Art in Reimagining Adversity
Personally, I think art has a unique ability to challenge our assumptions and broaden our empathy. This film isn’t just for people with Parkinson’s; it’s for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by life’s curveballs. The trailer’s inclusion of schoolchildren dancing alongside Linney and Ifans is a masterstroke—it reminds us that joy is contagious, that resilience is a collective act.
What this really suggests is that stories like these have the power to change how we see the world. They invite us to question our own biases, to reconsider what it means to live fully. In a time when division and despair often dominate headlines, Onwards and Sideways feels like a necessary antidote.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of 'Onwards and Sideways'
As the film prepares for its world premiere at TIFF, I can’t help but speculate about its broader impact. Will it spark conversations about Parkinson’s? Will it inspire more authentic portrayals of chronic illness in media? Or will it simply remind us that life, no matter how sideways it goes, is worth dancing through?
In my opinion, the answer is all of the above. This isn’t just a movie—it’s a movement, a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, we can find connection, humor, and joy. So, when Onwards and Sideways hits theaters, I’ll be there, not just as a critic, but as someone eager to be moved, challenged, and inspired. Because, as Tony and Emma show us, sometimes the best way to move forward is to dance—sideways, if necessary.
