Train Dreams is an American drama directed by Clint Bentley and co-written with Greg Kwedar, adapted from the novel by Denis Johnson. The film stars Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy. Available on Netflix on November 21, 2025.
In the early20th century, in the Pacific Northwest, Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a lumberjack and railroad worker, helps build the American railroad network. Orphaned since childhood, he leads a modest life of work and solitude. His encounter with Gladys (Felicity Jones) brings him love and stability, until a tragic event turns his life upside down. Through grief and the wilderness, he embarks on an intimate quest where pain, resilience, and beauty intertwine.
Directed by Oscar nominee Clint Bentley, the film stands out for its refined and contemplative direction, which highlights the majestic landscapes of the American Northwest. Inspired by Denis Johnson's novel, the screenplay explores the transformation of an ordinary man in the heart of a rapidly changing country. The film's naturalistic and poetic aesthetic illustrates the tension between industrial progress and a deep connection to the land.
With its sensitive characters and its take on the passage of time, Train Dreams will appeal to viewers drawn to introspective human dramas, similar to stories such as The Power of the Dog or The Revenant. Joel Edgerton's performance reinforces the emotional dimension of this story about loss and inner reconstruction.
Train Dreams
Film2025 | Running time: 1h43
Released on Netflix on November 21, 2025
Original title: Train Dreams
Nationality: United States
Through the simple but remarkable life of Robert Grainier, Train Dreams offers a meditation on memory, nature, and the fragile beauty of human existence.
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