Downton Abbey Star’s ‘Must-Watch’ Drama Hailed a ‘Masterpiece’

Julian Fellowes’ 2009 fantasy period drama brings together several familiar Downton Abbey stars in a mysterious story spanning two centuries

Fans of Downton Abbey looking for another period drama to add to their watchlist have been urged to give From Time to Time a chance.

The 2009 fantasy drama was directed by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, and features several actors who became familiar faces in the beloved historical series.

Based on Lucy M. Boston’s children’s novel The Chimneys of Green Knowe, the film combines family secrets, ghosts and time travel against the backdrop of the final days of World War II.

A mysterious journey through time

From Time to Time stars Downton Abbey legends Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville (Image: ITV)

The story follows 13-year-old Tolly, who goes to stay at his grandmother’s home during the closing stages of the war.

What begins as an ordinary visit soon takes an unexpected turn when Tolly discovers that he can mysteriously travel between two different periods separated by more than a century.

As he moves between the two worlds, Tolly becomes connected to the ghosts of his ancestors and is drawn into a long-buried family mystery.

Amazon Prime Video describes the film as “a haunting Christmas ghost story spanning two worlds, more than a century apart”, in which Tolly’s unusual ability allows him to uncover secrets that have remained hidden for generations.

A familiar cast for Downton Abbey fans

One of the film’s biggest attractions is its impressive ensemble.

From Time to Time stars Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, both of whom became central figures in Downton Abbey. The cast also includes Timothy Spall, Carice van Houten, Pauline Collins, Harriet Walter, Kwayedza Kureya, Douglas Booth and Dominic West.

Alex Etel plays Tolly, the young protagonist at the centre of the supernatural adventure.

The combination of Fellowes’ involvement and the number of recognisable actors has naturally encouraged comparisons with Downton Abbey, although From Time to Time takes a more fantastical approach to the period-drama genre.

Viewers call it a ‘masterpiece’

The film originally premiered at BFI London in 2009 before receiving a public release the following year.

Since then, viewers have continued to praise its unusual story and ensemble cast.

One viewer described it as “a film you must watch”, while another said they initially watched it because of their love for Downton Abbey and the number of familiar actors involved.

That viewer also highlighted Carice van Houten, known to Game of Thrones fans, as another reason to watch before admitting they were surprised by just how much they enjoyed the film.

They praised its unusual premise and execution, adding that Fellowes “seldom disappoints”.

Another viewer described the movie as “enchanting”, recalling that they happened to catch it on television in the UK on Boxing Day and were captivated from beginning to end.

Other reactions included comparisons to “Downton Abbey for kids”, while another viewer simply called it the best movie they had seen in a while.

The praise went even further, with one audience member calling it “a charming little masterpiece” and another describing it as “another masterpiece of drama”.

Could Downton Abbey return?

The film has been hailed a ‘masterpiece’ (Image: Amazon Prime Video)

The renewed interest in Fellowes’ work comes as the creator has previously discussed the possibility of returning to the world of Downton Abbey after its third and final film.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Fellowes said a return was possible, while acknowledging that he had learned never to completely rule anything out.

He explained that he would not be opposed to revisiting Downton, but suggested that any future story would need to take place during a different historical period, allowing the characters to face new circumstances and challenges.

“On that basis, I don’t see why not,” he said, while adding that it would ultimately depend on what happens.

For viewers who miss Fellowes’ distinctive period-drama style, From Time to Time offers a different kind of historical story while bringing together many familiar faces from Downton Abbey.

From Time to Time is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.