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Train Dreams

Play trailer 2:28 Poster for Train Dreams PG-13 In Theaters Nov 7 1h 42m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 56 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 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.
Coming Soon In Theaters Nov 7 Reserve Tickets
Train Dreams

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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