The first trailer has been released for Onwards and Sideways, the highly-anticipated drama that will air on the BBC later this year. Starring Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans, the film follows two strangers brought together after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Described as “a powerful, life-affirming British drama,” Onwards and Sideways is directed by Shakespeare in Love’s John Madden and written by Paul Mayhew-Archer.
BBC
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The film‘s logline reads: “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 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 courage, of music and dance – transcending the assumptions of a little understood condition, and triumphing over the odds to find joy, release and love,” the synopsis adds.
The trailer shows the first meeting of Tony and Emma after they both receive the same devastating diagnosis. We then see them bonding while trying new things, all to keep a smile on their face as they’re confronted with an uncertain future.
BBC
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Alongside Ifans and Linney the cast also includes Sherwood’s Monica Dolan and Penny Dreadful star Rory Kinnear.
Following the project’s announcement last October, producer Hilary Bevan Jones described the cast as”exceptional”, adding: “Paul’s wonderful script has made me laugh, cry, and think about all that life has to offer. I hope this film will strike a chord with everyone.”
The film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival later this month before releasing in select cinemas in November and then heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Onwards and Sideways will be released in UK cinemas from 6 November, before airing on BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
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After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.
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