TRAIN DREAMS 🤩

TRAIN DREAMS is a superbly created film based on the beloved novella by Denis Johnson. It takes viewers on a profound, yet oh-so-subtle, journey with logger and railroad worker Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) as he tries to make sense of his life and his connection to the world. It is simply a stunning look not only at the quiet beauty of the Pacific Northwest in the 20th century, but also at the continuous ups and downs of just being alive. 

TRAIN DREAMS hit my heart with its realistic, not sugar-coated, everyday occurrences. It makes the simple moments feel extraordinary. It is a slow, steady burn that comes out of nowhere and wraps its insightful, powerful cinematic triumphs within our souls. I was surprised throughout the entire experience, not because of the plot, but rather how lovingly and intentionally the threads of Grainer’s story were spoken and shared. Excellent acting and directing (Clint Bentley, SING SING). 

The ensemble was exceptional, featuring Felicity Jones and William H. Macy. The forested landscape was portrayed as a character as well. The lush, green cinematography was unforgettable. It put the seasonal cycles of love, death, and grief into proper perspective. 

TRAIN DREAMS mesmerized me with moments of sheer joy, hardship, and pain, yet in the end, I felt gratitude for being alive. Some may say it was slow at times, but for me, it was as fleeting as a well-lived life.

It’s streaming on Netflix.