Review: “Train Dreams”

By Morgan Roberts

Director: Clinton Bentley
Writers: Clinton Bentley and Greg Kwedar; based off the book of the same name by Denis Johnson
Stars: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy, Nathaniel Arcand
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2025

The creative team behind such films as “Jockey” and “Sing Sing,” return with Netflix’s “Train Dreams.” The film follows Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a man with was orphaned as a child, with no real roots of his own. He is a logger and railroad worker in the Pacific Northwest. He spends much of his time on the road, which doesn’t seem all that terrible until he meets Gladys (Felicity Jones). Soon, the pair are married, start their family on their very own homestead. It becomes harder to leave each time he needs work, and while he’s away, he is surrounded by a variety of men - some escaping from their lives, some unable to resist the allure of Mother Nature, some trying to start anew on the other side of the world.

Grainier (Joel Edgerton) in “Train Dreams: (2025) | Netflix

“Train Dreams” is a hypnotizing American epic, showcasing the great expanse of the West while being deeply grounded in these exceedingly moving performances. Edgerton has never been better; as Grainier - as most call him - Edgerton has an exterior of stoicism but a well of emotions underneath. You see that after one of his fellow railroad workers is killed in a racially motivated attack. He becomes haunted by his choices or, rather, inaction in such a moment. Moreover, you see that as he moves from lonely bachelor to husband and father. Living in the harshness and unforgiving nature, he still exudes a quiet care and compassion with his daughter. The interiority of Grainier makes Edgerton’s performance one of the most engaging, and ultimately heartbreaking, particularly as he is routinely confronted with the rapidly changing world around him.

Jones is equally sublime. She exudes a tenderness that you can’t help but be enraptured by, much like Grainier himself. The two-time Academy Award nominated actress is at her best when she can play with the interiority of her character and give texture in subtle, yet surprising ways. She’s not the main character, but her presence imbues the film. The film hinges upon her performance and subversively puts the audience in Grainier’s shoes effortlessly.

Other performances of note are that of Kerry Condon as Claire Thompson, a forestry worker, William H. Macy as Arn Peeples, a veteran logger, and Nathaniel Arcand as Ignatius Jack, a local storekeeper  While their screen time is brief, all three actors not only bring deep wells of emotion in their performances, but are impeccable scene partners for Edgerton, giving him the space and energy needed for their scenes. Their moment on screen are memorable and poignant.

Gladys (Felicity Jones) and Grainier (Joel Edgerton) in “Train Dreams” | Netflix

“Train Dreams” is also visually stunning. The cinematography by Adolpho Veloso is hypnotic and alluring, with the full beauty and power of nature captured in each frame. The look of the film is absolutely breathtaking and use the visual aspects of filmmaking to its full advantage. It is one of the best shot films of the year. Not only is the film stunning to look at, but the pacing is immaculate. Editor Parker Laramie has a patient, melodic pace, which fully captivates you. The long shots of nature, and the choices to really dig into a moment either in extended wide shots or in intimate close ups, make this film feel timeless.

Rarely do I leave a film completely speechless, but it felt as if I had the wind knocked out of me. From the beautifully human performances to the breathtaking cinematography, “Train Dreams” harkens back to the sweeping epics of cinema’s Golden Age. Few films have equally enchanted me and utterly devastated me the ways in which this film has done.

Grade: A+
Pair This Film With: “Causeway” (2022) dir. Lila Neugebauer; “First Cow” (2020) dir. Kelly Reichardt; “Nomadland” (2020) dir. Chloe Zhao; Old Joy