Laura Linney, the acclaimed actress known for her thoughtful and nuanced performances, is starring in the new film *Onwards and Sideways*, which explores the challenges and complexities of living with Parkinson’s disease. Linney plays Emma, an American composer and pianist based in Norfolk, England, who receives a Parkinson’s diagnosis on the same day as Tony, a local primary school deputy headteacher portrayed by Rhys Ifans.

The film chronicles the evolving relationship between Emma and Tony, who find an unexpected connection through a shared sense of dark humor amid the uncertainty of their diagnoses. Linney describes their story as a “magic collision” of two people coping with illness and the unpredictability of life. She emphasizes the delicate balance required to approach such subject matter, noting that films about illness often risk becoming overly sentimental or somber. Instead, *Onwards and Sideways* strives to present a narrative that is both engaging and respectful, blending gravity with moments of levity.

Linney, whose first film role was in the 1992 drama *Lorenzo’s Oil*, reflects on the rarity of positive filmmaking experiences. She praises the production team, especially the director, writer, producer, and her co-star Ifans, for creating a supportive atmosphere during filming. The movie was shot on location in Norfolk, which Linney found deeply inspiring, particularly the expansive skies that complemented the story’s emotional tone.

The film also features actors with Parkinson’s disease, including Paul Mayhew-Archer, who contributed to the screenplay. This casting choice aimed to authentically represent the Parkinson’s community, as the story spans several years and filming out of sequence made it impractical to cast disabled actors for the lead roles. Linney and Ifans worked closely with their castmates to understand the lived experience of Parkinson’s, undertaking extensive preparation to portray the condition with accuracy and empathy.

Both leads acknowledged the pressure of representing a diverse demographic, with symptoms and impacts of Parkinson’s varying widely among individuals. Linney noted the complexity involved in conveying not only the physical effects of the disease but also its influence on inner life and thought processes.

Drawing on her personal experiences with illness and loss within her family, Linney recognizes how sudden and transformative medical diagnoses can be. She recounts her upbringing in Manhattan, where her mother worked as a nurse caring for cancer patients, and reflects on the shared human experience that illness can create, offering opportunities for connection despite the hardship involved.

Currently 62 years old and raising her son, Bennett, with her second husband, Marc Schauer, Linney expresses a positive outlook on life’s changes and embraces the challenges that come with parenting later in life. When asked about her views on mortality, she acknowledges contemplating the spiritual dimension of death and maintains a faith that “it’s going to be OK,” while remaining open to the unknown.

*Onwards and Sideways* has been described by Linney as one of the most rewarding projects of her career, noted for its honest and compassionate portrayal of life with Parkinson’s and the resilience, humor, and companionship that can emerge in the face of adversity.