Train Dreams

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2:28

Train Dreams

PG-13

In Theaters Nov 7

1h 42m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

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56 Reviews

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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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In Theaters Nov 7

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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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Clint Bentley

Director

Joel Edgerton

Robert Grainier

Clifton Collins Jr.

Boomer

Felicity Jones

Gladys Grainier

Alfred Hsing

Fu Sheng

John Patrick Lowrie

Mr. Sears

David Robb

Slant Magazine

The film surveys an era’s unprecedented upheavals with an ambivalent eye.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 14, 2025

Full Review

Linda Marric

HeyUGuys

In an age of spectacle and noise, Train Dreams dares to whisper. It invites you to slow down, breathe and notice the spaces between moments. A simply stunning film from start to finish.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 12, 2025

Full Review

Dwight Brown

DwightBrownInk.com

A dirge so solemn, viewers may exit this train before it arrives at its destination.

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 8, 2025

Full Review

Shannon Connellan

Mashable

Edgerton's performance, Dessner's score, and Veloso's balance of handheld and static photography kept me hitched on the ride.

Oct 28, 2025

Full Review

Scott Nye

Battleship Pretension

...regrettably facile...

Oct 28, 2025

Full Review

Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

Train Dreams manages to float through the feelings of Robert as he goes on with his life, holding the pain he feels and rarely expresses it.

Rated: A-

Oct 24, 2025

Full Review

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Train Dreams: Trailer 1

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Train Dreams: Teaser Trailer

1:13

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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