Laura Linney is set to portray a woman diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the upcoming BBC-backed film *Onwards and Sideways*. The American actress, known for roles ranging from *The Truman Show* to Netflix’s *Ozark*, takes on the part of Emma, an American composer and pianist living in Norfolk, England. Her character shares the experience of an unexpected Parkinson’s diagnosis with Tony, a local primary school deputy headmaster played by Rhys Ifans, as their relationship unfolds in the film.

Linney, a three-time Oscar nominee with a history of roles involving serious illness, including her Emmy-winning performance in *The Big C*, spoke about the challenge of balancing gravity and humor in portraying such conditions. “Humour is a real life jacket,” she said in a recent interview from her Brooklyn office, emphasizing that comedy often brings a deeper truth to difficult subjects. The film explores how Emma and Tony cope with their diagnoses through a shared dark humor, reflecting the unpredictable nature of life.

Filming took place in Norfolk, where Linney was struck by the landscape’s vast skies, describing the experience as one of the most rewarding of her career. She noted the collaborative environment on set, praising the director, writer, and producers, as well as her co-star Ifans. “It is a miracle when you absolutely adore being around everyone you see,” she said.

While Emma and Tony’s roles are played by Linney and Ifans, both actors strove to authentically represent individuals living with Parkinson’s. The film’s supporting cast includes actors who have the condition, including Paul Mayhew-Archer, who also contributed as the writer. Linney credited the involvement of people with Parkinson’s as invaluable in shaping her performance, highlighting the delicate balance required to depict the illness without veering into sentimentality or overly earnest portrayals.

The film spans several years and was shot out of chronological order, making it impractical to cast actors who themselves have Parkinson’s for the lead roles. However, both Linney and Ifans committed to extensive research and consultation to represent the physical and emotional complexities of the disease. Linney reflected on the challenge of depicting how Parkinson’s manifests uniquely in each person and how it affects not only the body but also one’s inner life and mindset.

The actress also acknowledged the suddenness with which such diagnoses can impact lives, noting how quickly life’s landscape can shift without warning. She declined to share personal examples but referenced her upbringing with a mother who was a nurse, which influenced her understanding of illness and resilience.

*Onwards and Sideways* aims to provide a nuanced, respectful view of living with Parkinson’s, combining the realities of the condition with moments of humor and human connection. Linney’s portrayal is the latest in her extensive career of tackling roles that intersect illness with complex emotional narratives.