Train Dreams

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Train Dreams

PG-13

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1h 42m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

238 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

A gorgeous meditation on America, ably shouldered by one of Joel Edgerton's very best performances, Train Dreams takes on mythic proportions while maintaining an intimate emotional delicacy.

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Audience Says

Train Dreams travels with deliberate tranquility through the tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, and ultimately delivers a testament to resilience and the enduring power of family.

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John Nugent

Empire Magazine

Dec 2

4/5

Haunting, serenely composed and beautiful, this is an elegy for a life and a country that America used to be. 

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

Nov 26

4/5

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.

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Rebecca Onion

Slate

Nov 24

Beautiful, moving, and thoughtful.

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Marcelo Paredes

Cinencuentro

10h

From the very first moment, everything seems extremely contrived to me, as if the film were trying to reproduce that kind of sensibility without the experience actually arising naturally. [Full review in Spanish]

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

1d

The visually striking and well-acted drama Train Dreams is a worthy cinematic version of the novel. It's a quietly poetic story about an American logger/railroad worker who experiences love, tragic loss, and loneliness.

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Chris McCoy

Memphis Flyer

Mar 4

Like its protagonist, Train Dreams’ quiet eloquence is easily overlooked, but ultimately profound.

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Meloney

2d

This beautiful movie explored the life of a logger in the first half of the 1900s… the dangers of the frontier, racism and violence, and the depths of grief after a tragic accident. I found this quiet movie absolutely gripping. I had read the book many years ago and found it so slow I could not finish it. As a movie, however, it is wonderful.

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James

4d

One of the most beautiful and effecting films I’ve seen in a long time

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Chris

4d

even better on the big screen

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Tobias Forge

6d

Beautifully shot, making full use of the aspect ratio to emphasize the views above the characters. I’m so glad I saw it in the theater rather than at home streaming. It’s to the film’s credit that you care so much about Joel Edgerton’s character (great performance!) & wish the best for him. Very thought-provoking.

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Ann

Mar 3

So glad I didn't miss seeing this. Great acting, poignant & beautiful.

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John F. T......

Mar 1

Train Dreams Was a great depiction of life in The early mid century and sacrificial that help build what we have with a heartbroken romance with a family member.

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Clint Bentley

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Train Dreams: Trailer 1

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Train Dreams: Teaser Trailer

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Clint Bentley
Producer: Michael Heimler, Will Janowitz, Marissa McMahon, Ashley Schlaifer, Teddy Schwarzman
Screenwriter: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Black Bear, Kamala Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Violence and Sexuality)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 7, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2025
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos

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