TRAIN DREAMS
2025 | Dir. Clint Bentley | 102 Minutes
"This world is intricately stitched together, boys. Every thread we pull, we know not how it affects the design of things."
2025 | Dir. Clint Bentley | 102 Minutes
"This world is intricately stitched together, boys. Every thread we pull, we know not how it affects the design of things."
In early 20th century America, laborer Robert Grainier experiences love and loss as time marches relentlessly forward.
Adapted from Denis Johnson's 2011 novella of the same name, Clint Bentley's Train Dreams tells what is ostensibly the simple life story of an American workman at the dawn of the 20th century from his birth to his eventual passing, but it does so by delicately transporting the viewer through a meditative and exceptionally poignant journey. The film offers a wealth of insight into protagonist Robert Grainier's psyche not only through the voice of an omniscient third-person narrator applied rather skillfully but also through glimpses into Grainier's haunting dreams. While Grainier is a man of few words, the feature does an outstanding job of turning his joys, fears, and aspirations into the audience's own. As Grainier's understanding of his place in the grand scheme of nature is gradually influenced by the people in his life, arguably the viewer by extension attains a bit of existential perspective as well.
Adapted from Denis Johnson's 2011 novella of the same name, Clint Bentley's Train Dreams tells what is ostensibly the simple life story of an American workman at the dawn of the 20th century from his birth to his eventual passing, but it does so by delicately transporting the viewer through a meditative and exceptionally poignant journey. The film offers a wealth of insight into protagonist Robert Grainier's psyche not only through the voice of an omniscient third-person narrator applied rather skillfully but also through glimpses into Grainier's haunting dreams. While Grainier is a man of few words, the feature does an outstanding job of turning his joys, fears, and aspirations into the audience's own. As Grainier's understanding of his place in the grand scheme of nature is gradually influenced by the people in his life, arguably the viewer by extension attains a bit of existential perspective as well.
Filmed in the forests of Washington state in a 3:2 aspect ratio to evoke a sense of nostalgia, the look of the feature is visually striking, immersing viewers in the lush majestic greenery of the natural world juxtaposed against humanity's relentless industrial progress. It's all the more devastating when the land is set ablaze at the midway point of the narrative, bathing the picture in shadow and flame as Grainier plunges into despair. The film depicts Grainier's dreams in an appropriately surreal manner, populated with fleeting visions of his murdered Chinese workmate and, eventually, the wife and daughter he lost.
Joel Edgerton is perfectly cast as Grainier, believably rugged but gentle exuding a deep well of emotion, totally captivating as his performance alone carries the film for long stretches at a time. As Grainier's wife, Felicity Jones is lovely, effortlessly portraying a capable woman with an inner world of her own. In a small but memorable part, William H. Macy is absolutely convincing as a veteran explosives expert with the wisdom and respect for the environment that comes with years of experience in the wilderness. The supporting cast also features Nathaniel Arcand as a kindly storekeeper who cares for Grainier in his most desperate time of need and Kerry Condon as a forestry services worker who befriends Grainier later in his life.
Train Dreams is a soulful meditation on life, nature, love, and loss. While the story of Robert Grainier plays out on a relatively small scale, the film makes a solid case is both universally relatable and remarkably profound. The picture is a visually and emotionally satisfying cinematic experience.
FRAGMENTS
- Will Patton who previously narrated the audio book of the original novella provides the voice over for this film adaptation
- Kerry Condon also appears in 2026 Best Picture Academy Award Nominee F1
MCU CONNECTIONS
- Kerry Condon (FRIDAY in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame)
