The Space Between Us

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The Space Between Us

PG-13

2017

2h 0m

Adventure

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

17%

Tomatometer

136 Reviews

55%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Gardner Elliot, the first human born on Mars, begins an online friendship with Tulsa, a teen in Colorado. On his maiden voyage to Earth, the 16-year-old finally gets to experience all the joys and wonders of a world he could only read about. Problems arise when scientists discover that Gardner's organs can't withstand the atmosphere. United with Tulsa and on the run, the interplanetary visitor races against time to unravel the mysteries of how he came to be, and where he belongs in the universe.

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Critics Consensus

The Space Between Us strands its star-crossed young lovers in a mind-numbingly vast expanse of shameless cheese that will send all but the most forgiving viewers eye-rolling for the exits.

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Jonathan Pile

Empire Magazine

Feb 12, 2017

An interesting premise fails to ignite amid an underwritten central romance and some clichéd plotting. An often eye-rolling ride.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Feb 9, 2017

2/5

It manages, nonetheless, to shrink all narrative possibilities down into a bitty best-of compilation that's notable only for some horrendously bad science and a career-low performance from Gary Oldman.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Feb 9, 2017

1/5

It's a wan, anaemic film.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Jul 31, 2025

3/5

For as much as there is a place for the heady and heavy in science fiction, there should be room for the simple as sweet too.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Aug 17, 2021

1.5/4

A teen flick that registers less as "YA" and more as "why bother."

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Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

Mar 4, 2021

2/5

Has some good moments but in its attempt to be all things clutters up a story that would have been better served by streamlining the story and tone.

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Chris R

@Robeyone Oct 21, 2026

I did not read any reviews before watching this movie. I am glad I didn't because I might not have watched it if I did and I would have missed a heart warming, enjoyable movie.

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch Jul 1, 2026

The Space Between Us is a much better film than its reputation suggests. I think critics judged it far too harshly, and it deserves a second look. Asa Butterfield delivers a sincere, heartfelt performance that makes his character easy to connect with, while the emotional journey feels genuine throughout. The story blends science fiction, romance, and coming-of-age themes in a way that is thoughtful and engaging. The biggest flaw is the pacing, as certain scenes slow the momentum and make it harder to stay fully invested. Still, the emotional moments land well, and the relationships feel authentic enough to keep the story grounded. It may not be a perfect film, but it is nowhere near as bad as many reviews claim. Overall, The Space Between Us is an underrated drama with heart, strong performances, and a unique premise that I believe a new generation of viewers would appreciate far more than audiences did when it was first released.

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Conrad C

@sosopoptart May 15, 2026

The start of the movie shows some promise, but by the end the plot has gotten so preposterous you're no longer as invested. If there was a little more realism and science involved the movie might have held up better to scrutiny. As is, it can still be enjoyable, just make sure to turn your brain off first. Also, Asa did a good job.

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J D

@JDub1 Feb 27, 2026

What is your favorite thing about Earth?

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Liza M

@RT05158899 Aug 14, 2025

Interesting premise but a cliched script and a total cheese-fest. And Asa’s nothing like as good as he is in Sex Education, unfortunately. For a second, I didn’t recognise Gary Oldman in it!

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Matteo G

@TigerTeo Jun 4, 2025

You cannot start a movie with so many scientific and engineering premises to then go completely wild in the total impossible fiction...and for the rest just a cliché love story

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Peter Chelsom

Director

Gary Oldman

Nathaniel Shepherd

Asa Butterfield

Gardner Elliot

Carla Gugino

Kendra Wyndham

Britt Robertson

Tulsa

BD Wong

Tom Chen

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Synopsis

Gardner Elliot, the first human born on Mars, begins an online friendship with Tulsa, a teen in Colorado. On his maiden voyage to Earth, the 16-year-old finally gets to experience all the joys and wonders of a world he could only read about. Problems arise when scientists discover that Gardner's organs can't withstand the atmosphere. United with Tulsa and on the run, the interplanetary visitor races against time to unravel the mysteries of how he came to be, and where he belongs in the universe.

Director: Peter Chelsom
Screenwriter: Allan Loeb
Distributor: STX Entertainment
Production Co: Southpaw Entertainment, Los Angeles Media Fund, Huayi Brothers
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Brief Sensuality)
Genre: Adventure, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 3, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 2, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.8M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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