Joel Edgerton has never been better than in the beautifully evocative ‘Train Dreams’

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“Train Dreams” is one of those films people claim they’re looking for, but then struggle to connect with when it arrives. It’s a quietly beautiful story that starts small and simple, but builds to a surprisingly powerful emotional impact. The film feels both intimate and incredibly broad in scope.

“Train Dreams” gently explores big questions about life’s meaning and purpose with a beautiful, poetic style. It’s a special book, though its quiet nature makes it feel strange to offer overly enthusiastic praise.

I was really moved by this film. It’s based on a story by Denis Johnson, and directed by Clint Bentley, who also co-wrote the script with Greg Kwedar. They actually just got an Oscar nomination for ‘Sing Sing,’ which is fantastic, but this film feels more like the kind of work they really shine at – it’s beautifully shot and full of these small, powerful moments that really stick with you.

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I’m a big fan of Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar – they just have a way of telling really quiet, beautiful stories about people chasing their dreams. Their latest project, with Joel Edgerton, feels especially special. They basically went off into the woods and came back with something truly poetic, and I’m so excited to see it!

The film centers on Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a man brought to life through Will Patton’s beautiful narration. The story is told so intimately that Grainier feels like a real person, someone you might have heard about through family or friends. He spends his entire life in a small part of the Pacific Northwest woods, from the late 1800s to the 1960s, working as a logger and railroad worker, and remarkably, never sees the ocean or uses a telephone.

Most of the story unfolds around the beginning of the 20th century and during World War I. Grainier marries a woman named Gladys (Felicity Jones), and they build a life together in a cabin in the woods, eventually having a child. His work often keeps him away from his family for extended periods, making the time they share even more meaningful. However, a devastating event dramatically changes his life, leaving him feeling profoundly alone and haunted.

The film unfolds through short, fragmented scenes rather than traditional conversations, creating a dreamlike, remembered quality. While Edgerton and Jones are central, the movie features quick but striking appearances from actors like Clifton Collins Jr., Paul Schneider, and John Diehl. William H. Macy delivers a strong performance as a seasoned demolition expert, and Kerry Condon shines in her role as a forest ranger, both getting opportunities to leave a lasting impression.

Adolpho Veloso, known for his work on “The Jockey,” delivers beautiful cinematography, using a unique 3:2 aspect ratio to showcase the vast landscapes where the story unfolds. The film’s visual and costume design, created by Alexandra Schaller, Dakota Keller, and Malgosia Turzanska, feel authentic to the time period without being overly stylized. The score, composed by Bryce Dessner of the band The National, is particularly moving, and he collaborated with Nick Cave to create a memorable song for the end credits.

Edgerton has always been a strong, direct actor, and that quality shines through in what is perhaps his best role yet. His character, Grainier, is a man of few words, making his emotional moments especially impactful. Edgerton masterfully communicates Grainier’s inner life through subtle expressions and body language – often, a look says more than dialogue ever could.

Grainier realizes he’s getting too old for the hard and risky work of logging when he notices a change in the younger men around him, and with the arrival of chainsaws changing the industry. Edgerton’s authenticity as a man from the early 1900s makes it easy to believe he feels like his time has passed. The story suggests that while times may change, life’s fundamental beauty endures.

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2025-11-06 17:31