--- title: "An Adventure in Space and Time: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/an-adventure-in-space-and-time/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/an-adventure-in-space-and-time" critics_score: 79 critics_reviews: 8 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # An Adventure in Space and Time (2013): what the critics said Critics' score 79 from 8 reviews: 7 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. Most critics respond warmly to An Adventure in Space and Time, with praise centred on David Bradley’s portrayal of William Hartnell. The reviews repeatedly credit him with finding warmth beneath the actor’s irascibility and giving the Doctor Who origin story its emotional force. Several find the drama particularly affecting when it concentrates on the people invested in making the programme. The recreation of the early 1960s and the portrayal of Verity Lambert’s determination also draw praise. Reservations concern the storytelling and historical accuracy rather than the performances. Digital Spy acknowledges liberties with history but still finds the drama engaging and moving. Den of Geek is more guarded about a formulaic, thin first half, while remaining persuaded by Bradley and the film’s affection for its subject. The available verdicts differ chiefly in enthusiasm, with no strongly negative response; the supplied Time Out material offers no specific judgement to explain its lower score. ## The AV Club — Alasdair Wilkins Rating A-. 21 November 2013. The review finds the docudrama strongest when it centers on the people for whom Doctor Who was more than a job. It especially praises David Bradley’s portrayal of William Hartnell, capturing his irascibility and hidden warmth. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/an-adventure-in-space-and-time-looks-back-at-doctor-who-1798178756) ## Total Film — Nick Setchfield Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 22 November 2013. Setchfield finds the drama a magical, triumphant blend of history and fantasy. He particularly praises David Bradley’s soulful portrayal of William Hartnell and the meticulous recreation of the early 1960s. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/an-adventure-in-space-and-time-review/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Marc Bernardin Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 22 November 2013. Bernardin praises the film as a heartfelt, lively origin story that pays tribute to Doctor Who. He especially singles out David Bradley’s warm, heartbreaking performance as William Hartnell. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/an-adventure-space-time-tv-659397/) ## Los Angeles Times — Robert Lloyd Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 21 November 2013. Lloyd finds the film potent and affecting, especially for Doctor Who fans. He singles out David Bradley’s portrayal of William Hartnell for its blend of triumph and tragedy. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-dr-who-review-20131121-story.html) ## The Guardian — Sam Wollaston Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 22 November 2013. Wollaston calls the drama a lovely way to begin the Doctor Who anniversary celebrations. He praises its portrayal of Verity Lambert’s vision and determination in a male-dominated television world. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/nov/22/him-and-her-tv-review) ## Time Out Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 14 November 2013. The available page metadata identifies this as a critical review, but does not reveal the critic’s verdict. No specific praise or complaint is available in the supplied page text. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/london/tv-reviews/an-adventure-in-space-and-time) ## Digital Spy — Morgan Jeffery Rating 5. 21 November 2013. Jeffery finds the drama engaging, uplifting and emotionally powerful, despite some liberties with history. He especially praises David Bradley’s portrayal of William Hartnell and the moving final exchange with Matt Smith. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a532672/an-adventure-in-space-and-time-review-a-gorgeous-piece-of-drama/) ## Den of Geek — Seb Patrick Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 18 November 2013. The critic finds it an affectionate, funny, and ultimately moving tribute, despite a somewhat formulaic and thin first half. David Bradley’s portrayal of William Hartnell, especially in the actor’s final year, is singled out for its emotional force. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/spoiler-free-an-adventure-in-space-and-time-review/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/an-adventure-in-space-and-time.md