In Train Dreams, Netflix has what I think is its best shot at winning the Oscar for Best Picture, something that the streamer has sought for years. Directed with poetry and grace by Clint Bentley, this quietly powerful drama features a soulful performance by Joel Edgerton and gorgeous cinematography by Adolpho Veloso that captures the natural beauty of an evolving America during the industrial boom of the early 20th century. You can find my glowing review here.
The new trailer for Train Dreams has arrived, and it is a wonderful reminder of how beautiful and wistful this movie is. Set in the early 20th century, Edgerton plays a lonely day laborer who spends most of his life building railroads across America. But this ordinary, everyday life turns out to be rather extraordinary with the places he goes and the people he meets along the way.
Joining Edgerton in the cast are Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy, Clifton Collins Jr., and Paul Schneider.
The duo of Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar teamed up on Train Dreams. Bentley directed and co-wrote the script with Kwedar. They previously worked together on two other festival favorites: Jockey in 2021, and Sing Sing in 2023.
Train Dreams will have a limited theatrical release on November 7th, before moving to Netflix on November 21st. It will also play at next week’s Middleburg Film Festival, with Edgerton in attendance, so if you’re in the DMV you should look into getting a ticket.
