The Station Agent

Play trailer

The Station Agent

R

Released Oct 10, 2003

1h 28m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

160 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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

Anthony Lane

The 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

Full Review

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

Read all reviews

Horror fan 4

A brilliant little gem about friendship and loss. The cast did a stellar job and they walked a lot. Tim Treakle

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

Full Review

Norm S

Excellent 'Slice Of Life" movie. Dinklage is perfect in this role and the other actors are excellent also. A must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/17/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Movie was alright for a one time watch...

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

Full Review

Faiz D

The Station Agent' is a very simple but lovely quirky little film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

Full Review

Raphael H

Delicate and warm, the film might not seem like it at first, but it surprises you with unexpected moments that bring a smile to your face. The cinematography is simple yet moving. Dinklage truly shines in a role full of depth, with layers that are gradually peeled away throughout the film. The development of his character is predictable and almost too certain but it's executed so naturally and with such care that it never feels like a flaw.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/24/25

Full Review

trevtherev 5

no cgi or special effects.all the characters hold it together brilliantly,not to be missed

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Tom McCarthy

Director

Peter Dinklage

Finbar McBride

Patricia Clarkson

Olivia Harris

Bobby Cannavale

Joe Oramas

Raven Goodwin

Cleo

Paul Benjamin

Henry Styles

World Traveler

35%

36%

World Traveler

Watchlist

Milwaukee, Minnesota

38%

50%

Milwaukee, Minnesota

Watchlist

The Human Stain

41%

48%

The Human Stain

Watchlist

The Jimmy Show

40%

37%

The Jimmy Show

Watchlist

Emile

55%

62%

Emile

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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

Most Popular at Home Now