Sundance Review: Train Dreams Portrays a Modest Existence on a Grand Scale

      In Clint Bentley's Train Dreams, there is a poignant scene where a tree elegantly crashes to the ground amid vibrant greenery. As it hits, particles scatter, illuminated by sunlight, making the small specs appear almost significant. The frame lingers for a few extra seconds, highlighting these particles as stunning elements in the visual composition. This striking moment emphasizes the film's broader theme: both grand and minute wonders exist. There’s tragedy as well, leading to the question of who will remember it all, and perhaps more crucially, does it even matter if anyone does?

      Co-written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar and adapted from Denis Johnson's novella, Train Dreams follows Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger in the Pacific Northwest during the early twentieth century. He is married to Gladys (Felicity Jones) and is the father of their young daughter, Katie. They reside in a modest log cabin away from civilization. He often finds himself away for extended periods due to various jobs. Will Patton provides the narrative voice of the film, undoubtedly standing out as the highlight of the cast. His somber, weary recounting of this poignant, solitary life is infused with both regret and awe. For anyone who views narration as a “crutch,” I would urge you to consider Patton's performance here as exemplary. It is incomparable.

      Similarly, Bryce Dessner’s score serves as an impressive emotional backdrop. Edgerton remains the film’s steadfast pillar, as dependable and solid as ever. His face possesses a timeless quality—he seems capable of belonging to any era, which adds depth. Throughout much of Train Dreams, cinematographer Adolpho Veloso captures Edgerton’s facial expressions closely while Robert grapples with his past and the uncertain future ahead. A simple downward glance conveys more than entire flashback sequences (which there may be too many of).

      William H. Macy brings a delightful touch to his supporting role, delivering a mid-film monologue about the age of trees that might stand out as the film's most powerful moment. Paul Schneider makes an incredibly entertaining cameo in a single scene, and Kerry Condon also delivers a memorable line: “The world’s an old place. Probably nothing it hasn’t seen by now.”

      Train Dreams is a subtle, enduring film that is likely to age well. With a runtime of just 95 minutes before the credits, it maintains a concise duration. However, it does lag in the latter half and ultimately falls short of fulfilling the promise established in the first half. Nevertheless, it remains a rewarding adaptation, as Bentley effectively explores the value of a life. One is reminded of that lovely line from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: “I was thinking how nothing lasts, and what a shame that is.”

      Train Dreams debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and will be distributed by Netflix.

      Grade: B