The Unexpected Allure of 'Onwards and Sideways': Why This Norfolk-Shot Film Resonates Beyond Its Stars
There’s something quietly revolutionary about a film that chooses the serene landscapes of north Norfolk as its backdrop, especially when it stars Hollywood heavyweights like Rhys Ifans and Laura Linney. Onwards and Sideways, the upcoming drama set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, isn’t just another star-studded project—it’s a story that feels both intimate and universal. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how it blends the mundane with the profound, using a rural setting to explore themes of connection, resilience, and the unpredictability of life.
A Story of Unlikely Bonds and Shared Struggles
At its core, Onwards and Sideways is about two strangers whose lives intersect in the most unexpected way: a simultaneous diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Ifans plays Tony Evans, a deputy headmaster, while Linney portrays Emma Dretzin, a pianist and single mother. What many people don’t realize is how rare it is for a film to tackle chronic illness without resorting to melodrama. Instead, the narrative seems to focus on the quiet moments—the shared glances, the unspoken understanding—that define human connection.
From my perspective, this approach is a breath of fresh air. In an era where blockbuster films often prioritize spectacle over substance, Onwards and Sideways dares to slow down. It invites us to consider how life-altering moments can also be deeply ordinary. The fact that the characters are diagnosed on the same morning feels almost poetic, a reminder that our most significant turning points often happen in the mundane rhythms of daily life.
Norfolk as a Character in Its Own Right
One thing that immediately stands out is the film’s setting. North Norfolk, with its rolling hills and quaint villages like Fakenham, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character. The decision to film here feels deliberate, almost symbolic. The area’s quiet beauty mirrors the introspective tone of the story, creating a sense of stillness that allows the characters’ emotions to take center stage.
If you take a step back and think about it, this choice also speaks to a broader trend in cinema: the rise of rural settings as spaces for introspection. From The Banshees of Inisherin to Nomadland, filmmakers are increasingly turning to quieter locales to explore complex human experiences. What this really suggests is that audiences are craving stories that feel grounded, authentic, and free from the noise of urban life.
The Power of Subtlety in Storytelling
A detail that I find especially interesting is the film’s 90-minute runtime. In an age of sprawling three-hour epics, Onwards and Sideways opts for brevity. This raises a deeper question: Can a shorter film still leave a lasting impact? I believe it can—and perhaps even more so. By stripping away excess, the filmmakers force us to focus on the essentials: the performances, the dialogue, the unspoken emotions.
Rhys Ifans and Laura Linney are no strangers to delivering nuanced performances, but this project feels different. Their characters aren’t larger-than-life heroes; they’re ordinary people grappling with extraordinary circumstances. This subtlety is what makes the film so compelling. It’s a reminder that the most powerful stories often lie in the small, overlooked moments of our lives.
Broader Implications: Cinema as a Mirror to Society
What this film really suggests is that cinema can—and should—be a mirror to society. Onwards and Sideways doesn’t shy away from the realities of living with a chronic illness, but it also doesn’t define its characters by their diagnosis. Instead, it shows how life continues, how relationships evolve, and how hope persists even in the face of uncertainty.
In my opinion, this is the kind of storytelling we need more of. It challenges the stigma surrounding illness, normalizes vulnerability, and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. It’s also a testament to the power of art to humanize complex issues, making them accessible and relatable to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead: The Film’s Potential Impact
As Onwards and Sideways prepares for its UK cinema release and eventual appearance on BBC iPlayer, I can’t help but wonder about its long-term impact. Will it spark conversations about Parkinson’s disease? Will it inspire other filmmakers to explore similar themes with the same level of sensitivity? Personally, I think it has the potential to do both.
What makes this particularly exciting is the film’s ability to resonate on multiple levels. It’s a love story, a character study, and a meditation on life’s unpredictability—all rolled into one. If you take a step back and think about it, this is exactly the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet Triumph in an Era of Noise
In a world dominated by loud, flashy blockbusters, Onwards and Sideways feels like a quiet triumph. It’s a film that doesn’t demand your attention—it earns it. From its thoughtful performances to its evocative setting, every element seems carefully considered, inviting us to slow down and reflect.
One thing is certain: this isn’t just a film about Parkinson’s or rural life. It’s a film about what it means to be human, to connect, and to find meaning in the face of adversity. And in that sense, it’s a story that speaks to all of us.
