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The Station Agent

Play trailer Poster for 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.
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The Station Agent

The Station Agent

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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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Critics Reviews

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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

Audience Reviews

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Brian H Absolutely fantastic film... love every main character in this, especially Bobby Cannavale who could just make fun of the main character's obsession with trains, but instead just goes with it and has fun. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/25 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
The Station Agent

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Cast & Crew

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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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The Station Agent

The Station Agent (2003) View more photos

Movie Info

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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