“Onwards and Sideways” Set for World Premiere at 2026 Toronto International Film Festival

The British drama Onwards and Sideways will make its world debut in a TIFF Gala Presentation at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival in September. The film follows Tony Evans (Rhys Ifans), deputy head of a primary school, and Emma Dretzin (Laura Linney), a musician-composer and single mother of two, who meet for the first time on the morning both receive a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Their unexpected friendship unfolds through humor, music, and dance, aiming to “transcend the assumptions of a little-understood condition” and find joy despite the odds.

Hollywood Reporter

Written by Paul Mayhew-Archer (known for *The Vicar of Dibley* and the Parkinson’s podcast *Movers and Shakers*), the film is directed by John Madden (Oscar-nominee for *Shakespeare in Love*). Long-time collaborator Thomas Newman provides the original score, marking another Madden-Newman partnership after *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* and *Operation Mincemeat*. Production is handled by Hilltop Screen for John Gore Studios and the BBC, with executive producers Hilary Strong, Francis Hopkinson, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Ellie Wood, Helen Flint, Rhys Ifans, and John Madden; Hilary Bevan Jones and Alfie Johnson serve as producer and co-producer respectively.

BBC News

Worldwide sales are represented by Kaleidoscope Film Distribution, while CAA Media Finance co-represents North America. Icon Film Distribution will release the film theatrically in the United Kingdom, followed by a broadcast debut on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer later in 2026. A U.S. theatrical rollout is also planned before the television and streaming releases.

Hollywood Reporter

Press materials describe the film as “emotional and surprisingly funny,” emphasizing its blend of humor and pathos. The synopsis highlights the “startling encounter” that changes the protagonists’ lives and underscores the film’s intent to challenge misconceptions about Parkinson’s disease while celebrating resilience and companionship.

Hollywood Reporter

• “This film is the story of Tony and Emma – a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly.” — BBC Media Centre

Hollywood Reporter

• “Thomas Newman (The Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty, Finding Nemo, Skyfall, Road to Perdition, 1917, Wall-E, The Horse Whisperer, Meet Joe Black, Elemental, Bridge of Spies) has provided the original score for the upcoming British drama Onwards and Sideways.” — Film Music Reporter

Film Music Reporter

• “‘Onwards and Sideways’ Courtesy of BBC/Hilltop Screen The film focuses on two people who don’t know each other “until a startling encounter changes the course of their lives,” according to a synopsis.” — BBC Media Centre

Hollywood Reporter