Picture Credit: Netflix
Out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Netflix has acquired the film adaptation of the beloved Denis Johnson novella of the same name, Train Dreams. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2012, the novella has been brought to life by writer/director Clint Bentley and co-writer Greg Kwedar, who previously collaborated on the A24 prison drama Sing Sing and received a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination at last year’s Oscars.
Set in the Idaho panhandle during the turn of the 20th century, the story follows Robert Grainier (played by Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad worker who lives a quiet life of isolation, traveling to large timber jobs across the Pacific Northwest. In his early 30s, Robert meets and marries Gladys (played by Felicity Jones), an unconventional and delightful woman who brings a spark of joy into his life. However, his work often takes him away from his family for months at a time, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of his isolation.
The film is a culmination of Robert’s endurance of the punishing changes in society as he struggles to thrive in a world that seems to be moving forward without him. With its methodical pacing and beautiful cinematography, every moment of the 100-minute runtime counts. The film is a poignant examination of life, love, and grief at the end of frontier life into the 20th century.
Joel Edgerton delivers a standout performance as Robert, bringing a sense of quiet charm and depth to the character. Felicity Jones shines as Gladys, bringing a spark of joy and vitality to the film. The cast, combined with the direction of Clint Bentley, brings every scene to life with a level of subtlety that is both haunting and poetic.
Train Dreams is a film that engages on multiple levels, exploring themes of isolation, loneliness, and the human condition. With its beautiful cinematography, methodical pacing, and outstanding performances from the cast, Train Dreams is a must-see film for anyone who appreciates a poignant and haunting exploration of the human experience.
