Rhys Ifans on the ‘Frightening’ Task of Portraying Parkinson’s in ‘Onwards and Sideways’ and Learning to Wear ‘Costume’ of Disease: ‘I Really Did My Homework’

Welsh actor Rhys Ifans says he worked extensively to portray Parkinson’s disease accurately in the new film *Onwards and Sideways*. The film aims to show the realities of living with a progressive, incurable condition while balancing difficult moments with humour.

Ifans plays Tony, a caring primary school teacher who is told he has “five good years” before Parkinson’s significantly affects his life; Laura Linney plays Emma, a musician given the same diagnosis. To prepare, the actors studied people’s experiences and worked with neurophysiotherapists from Neuro Heroes for several weeks. Ifans also listened to a podcast featuring people with Parkinson’s and attended a dance class with sufferers.