The Verdict
"A gorgeous meditation on America, ably shouldered by one of Joel Edgerton's very best performances,Train Dreamstakes on mythic proportions while maintaining an intimate emotional delicacy."
Movie Review and Other Insights
Train Dreams is a visionary Drama film directed by the acclaimed Clint Bentley (Michael Heimler). Released in theaters on Nov 7, 2025, Limited, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Black Bear and distributed by Netflix, the film features a runtime of 1h 42m.
The story follows based on the beloved novella by Denis Johnson, Train Dreams is the moving portrait of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), whose life unfolds during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he helps expand the nation's railroad empire alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a tender courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones) and they build a home together, though his work often takes him far from her and their young daughter. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled. Leading the cast are star performers Clint Bentley, Joel Edgerton, Clifton Collins Jr., who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated PG-13 for Some Violence and Sexuality, Train Dreams delivers a audio experience presented in a aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "A gorgeous meditation on America, ably shouldered by one of Joel Edgerton's very best performances,Train Dreamstakes on mythic proportions while maintaining an intimate emotional delicacy."
Images
Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"Bentley renders Idaho and this way of life around the turn of the 20th century in such a mystical and mysterious way, it almost seems like science fiction."
"Beautiful, moving, and thoughtful."
"Joel Edgerton brings a quiet soulfulness to "Train Dreams" that perfectly complements director Clint Bentley's meditative portrait of an unassuming logger making his way through early 20th century America, and beyond."
"Train Dreams washes over you, the way a slow-paced life can do, if you can let it. If not, well, you can still enjoy the pretty trees for a bit."
"The movie’s lyrical direction and writing, its screenplay’s epic scope... and its soulful performances all combine to create this highly emotional meditation on the relationship between work and family, humans and the land, and humans and time."
"There's no grand action to hook viewers, no predictable formula to follow. Instead, the film feels very much a literary adaptation, especially with its somewhat superfluous voiceover filling in narrative gaps."
Audience Reviews
An absolutely amazing movie! This man, Robert Grainer is a clear example of what Love, Compassion, Perseverance should be! He represents every working man that has walked this earth! Amazing movie, and thats coming from someone who doesnt watch anything nowdays because nothing is as real as these type of films!
Best film of 2025 and I see a lot of films
Incredibly beautiful.
Incredibly saccharine & formulaic.
Liked that there wasn’t too much violence. It is very sad though.
Good acting, especially from Joel Edgerton, but the story is quite thin - not much of one, really.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Train Dreams released?
Train Dreams hit theaters on Nov 7, 2025, Limited. It became available for streaming on Nov 21, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 1h 42m. It falls under the Drama genre, featuring a sound mix in .
Who is the director of Train Dreams?
The movie is directed by Clint Bentley. The script was penned by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar.
Who are the main actors in Train Dreams?
The top billed cast includes:
- Clint Bentley as Director
- Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainier
- Clifton Collins Jr. as Boomer
- Felicity Jones as Gladys Grainier
- Alfred Hsing as Fu Sheng
Why is Train Dreams rated PG-13?
It is rated PG-13 (Some Violence and Sexuality)
Which studio produced the movie?
Train Dreams was produced by Black Bear and distributed worldwide by Netflix.
About the movie
NEWBased on the beloved novella by Denis Johnson, Train Dreams is the moving portrait of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), whose life unfolds during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he helps expand the nation's railroad empire alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a tender courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones) and they build a home together, though his work often takes him far from her and their young daughter. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled.
- Director
- Clint Bentley
- Producers
- Michael Heimler, Will Janowitz, Marissa McMahon, Ashley Schlaifer, Teddy Schwarzman
- Screenwriter
- Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
- Distributor
- Netflix
- Production
- Black Bear
- Genre
- Drama
- Release Date
- Nov 7, 2025, Limited
- Run Time
- 1h 42m
- Rating
- PG-13