The Station Agent

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The Station Agent

R

Released Oct 10, 2003

1h 28m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

161 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

The life of train aficionado and downcast little person Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) takes an unexpected turn when his boss dies and wills him a railroad depot in New Jersey. He decides to relocate to the small town, where he befriends talkative food vendor Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale) and unhappy wife Olivia Harris (Patricia Clarkson). As the trio's interactions deepen, quirky conversations and outcomes ensue. McBride also gains insight from librarian Emily.

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Critics Consensus

A sweet and quirky film about a dwarf, a refreshment stand operator, and a reclusive artist connecting with one another.

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Anthony Lane

New Yorker

None of the central performers put a foot wrong; Dinklage excels as a burdened man who is angry, tired, and tough.

Feb 24, 2023

Full Review

Amy Taubin

Film Comment Magazine

The Station Agent is little more than a three-character, metaphorically burdened off-Broadway play, but Peter Dinklage's understated performance gives it a bit of substance.

Apr 10, 2018

Full Review

Antonia Quirke

London Evening Standard

Dinklage is a star, for sure, but the film is hypnotic because of its unusually certain and constantly delicate tone.

Dec 18, 2017

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

For the first time in his career, [Peter] Dinklage was allowed to play someone with dimension, passion, and an identity beyond his physical attributes, and he makes the most of it.

Apr 14, 2023

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Dinklage, much the best reason to see the movie, brings what must be a lifetime of weathering insults and morbid curiosity to his role.

Rated: B

Sep 19, 2022

Full Review

Michael Clark

Epoch Times

If you're in the market for a human-interest story which earns its uplift and inspiration tags through deft writing without beating you over the head with clichés and stereotypes, you're not likely to find a better example than The Station Agent.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 24, 2021

Full Review

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Fer S

A cute movie where nothing much really happens...or does it? You will sympathize with the characters and smile here and there.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/08/24

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T_ k

a very chill movie .. calm soundtracks, nice picture. the characters are very relatable. They look like people you may see in your life or even some you already know. or maybe one of them look like you . if i want to describe this movie in one word it is going to be "Real". i really liked it .. : )

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/13/24

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Connor S

A seemingly lonely life with minimal highs still has its charm.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/21/24

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Audience Member

Enjoyed it - well acted and makes you think long after it is over.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/17/24

Full Review

David S

The trailer made it look a lot more "quirky" than what it is, it's just an everyday story about everyday people. There are definitely better things to watch in my opinion.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/11/24

Full Review

K B

Beautiful in every sense of the way.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/24

Full Review

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Tom McCarthy

Director

Peter Dinklage

Finbar McBride

Patricia Clarkson

Olivia Harris

Bobby Cannavale

Joe Oramas

Raven Goodwin

Cleo

Paul Benjamin

Henry Styles

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Synopsis

The life of train aficionado and downcast little person Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) takes an unexpected turn when his boss dies and wills him a railroad depot in New Jersey. He decides to relocate to the small town, where he befriends talkative food vendor Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale) and unhappy wife Olivia Harris (Patricia Clarkson). As the trio's interactions deepen, quirky conversations and outcomes ensue. McBride also gains insight from librarian Emily.

Director: Tom McCarthy
Producer: Mary Jane Skalski, Robert May, Kathryn Tucker
Screenwriter: Tom McCarthy
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: SenArt Films, Next Wednesday Productions
Rating: R (Some Drug Content|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 10, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.7M
Runtime: 1h 28m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

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