Train Dreams - Review from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival

      Train Dreams, 2025.

      Directed by Clint Bentley.

      Starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy, Clifton Collins Jr., John Patrick Lowrie, Alfred Hsing, Ron Ford, Olive Steverding, Zoe Rose Short, Jennifer Simmons, Cisco Keanu Reyes, and Jerry Dykeman.

      SYNOPSIS:

      This film tells the story of Robert Grainier, a day laborer working as a logger who aids in expanding the railways throughout America. Frequently separated from his wife, Gladys, and their young daughter, Grainier grapples with his identity in an ever-evolving world. As his narrative unfolds, he encounters profound love, heartbreaking loss, and unique connections, embarking on a journey that feels both specific and universally relatable.

      Almost every moment of Train Dreams is steeped in profound sorrow. While it's not overly sentimental or heavy-handed, it delves deeply into the personal and collective experiences of its main character and the wider world.

      Featuring a remarkable performance by Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainer, a logger in the early twentieth century, and narrated by Will Patton, the film directed by Clint Bentley (in collaboration with Greg Kwedar on the screenplay, adapting Denis Johnson's novella) encapsulates a lifetime across a pivotal period in American history. It explores the highs and lows of Grainer's life, often transitioning thoughtfully between them, supported by a poignant orchestral score from Bryce Dessner. Additionally, it showcases stunning cinematography by Adolpho Veloso, highlighting the beauty of the forests that are being devastated.

      After a series of montages and narration revealing Robert's challenging childhood, the film settles into a more grounded narrative as he meets Gladys (Felicity Jones), whom he marries, establishes a home with, and starts a family. Although this may seem hurried in summary, the chemistry between the actors evokes a touching connection. They perceive each other and their surroundings, understanding the quiet, secluded life they desire.

      Robert's employment often takes him away from his family for extended periods, a sentiment that resonates with modern viewers even if their absences aren't as prolonged. Logging jobs carry inherent dangers, and as various supporting characters appear, each contributing to a broader cultural and personal portrait of America, Robert's underlying dread begins to surface—he wonders if misfortune is destined for him.

      The film also presents an ecological perspective, depicting how the destruction of forests to construct railroads is akin to playing God, meddling with nature in ways they shouldn't. William H. Macy portrays a wise logger who, after years in the field, has come to realize the moral implications of their actions. Each successive generation appears more zealous about such devastation, making his role a standout in a film rich with poetic reflections and striking performances.

      Train Dreams delves into themes that shouldn’t be revealed entirely, but it's characterized by haunting elements and a profound exploration of survivor’s guilt, torment, and an emotionally draining quest for meaning. Sometimes, this pursuit is accompanied by a burdensome sense of false hope and an astonishing turn of fate that may or may not be real, no matter how genuine it seems. This rare film elicits a longing for a happy ending, even if it feels undeserved, as the sadness touches the depths of your being. Thankfully, a poignant moment towards the conclusion reminds us that no one is alone in their quest to understand the universe.

      Throughout, Joel Edgerton excels at conveying emotion through body language. This film offers deeply reflective storytelling on both a personal and cosmic scale, portraying laborers who connect and construct the world's foundation in impactful, lasting ways, both positively and negatively. Train Dreams examines the search for purpose in life while also highlighting the beauty of our world and its destruction, all while society progresses, often discovering quicker means of devastation. Yet even amidst the chaos, and despite the presence of both good and bad, beauty persists.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He is also the Reviews Editor at Flickering Myth. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.