Train Dreams

I'm really liking what Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar are bringing to the cinematic table of late. The two wrote Sing Sing (directed by Kwedar), Jockey, and this one (both directed by Bentley). All 3 are humanistic character pieces that say something about men and their places in society. Bentley's efforts in particular, are slow, and quiet -- In Train Dreams, Joel Edgerton stars as a good man in an ever changing and callous world - where he is haunted by nightmares and overcome with a grief that cuts cruel and deep.

As part of his journey, there is also camaraderie, with a native America store owner (Nathaniel Arcand), with William H Macy's life-loving explosives expert, Arn Peeples. And for a spell, there is the peace and love found in the isolated woods with his family.

Style wise, it's a mix of Terrance Malick with Kelly Reichardt. The script is reflective, existential, and in touch with nature, which is shot by Adolpho Veloso. His cinematography is both gorgeous, and smartly framed, while also reflecting our protagonist's mindset, the serenity and the hardships - there is a tangible, and significant relationship between man and nature. Acting is understated - Edgerton gives an award worthy 'less is more' performance. Felicity Jones is warm hearted as his wife, and Kerry Condon shares a nice scene with him, playing a sort of kindred spirit. Through it all, soft spoken Will Patton provides the folky narration.

In short, Train Dreams is about beauty and sadness, what comes and goes, what life takes, and what it gives back, and how we resolve ourselves to the twists and turns that come our way. It's emotional and will probably bring tears to one's eyes; a person might even find it healing; restorative at the end.

A real gem of a movie, one of 2025s finest.

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