Clint Bentley’s film “Train Dreams,” now available on Netflix, is a poignant adaptation of Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella that unfolds at a measured pace, evoking the slow, rhythmic breathing of the natural world. This drama, rated PG-13 for some violence and sexuality, centers on the life of Robert Grainier, portrayed by Joel Edgerton, whose existence is intricately tied to the rugged landscapes he helped shape and scar.
The movie is set in the early 20th century, depicting the Idaho Panhandle and parts of Oregon as more than mere backgrounds; they are vital elements of the story that reflect Grainier’s internal struggles and losses. With cinematography by Adolpho Veloso, the film captures the imposing beauty of the Pacific Northwest while highlighting the brutal isolation inherent in its landscapes. In contrast to Robert Redford’s “A River Runs Through It,” which celebrated familial bonds, “Train Dreams” reveals a harsher reality where characters grapple with survival against a backdrop of unforgiving nature.
William H. Macy’s character, Arn Peeples, serves as the camp’s intellectual until an accident leaves him in a tragic mental decline, underscoring the human costs associated with the expansion of the railroad. The film poignantly depicts the devastating Great Fire of 1910, which consumed vast swathes of land and impacted Grainier’s life by taking away his wife, Gladys, and their young daughter, Kate, beautifully played by Felicity Jones. This loss shifts the film’s focus to a psychological exploration of grief, with the mesmerizing natural scenery mirroring Grainier’s fractured psyche.
While the dialogue among the laborers addresses the environmental destruction caused by their work, it sometimes feels anachronistic for characters of that era. The themes of guilt and responsibility toward nature may feel more like modern sensibilities than reflections of early 20th-century loggers. Nevertheless, the film masterfully weaves moments of mysticism and surrealism into its narrative, particularly highlighted by Grainier’s interactions with a feral child, representing the complexities of loss and memory.
Throughout its concise 1 hour and 45 minutes, “Train Dreams” conveys a story of transformation, not only within the characters but also in the world around them, as technology and modernization encroach upon simpler ways of life. Will Patton’s evocative voiceover adds depth to the journey, guiding viewers through this atmospheric exploration of history and memory.
Initially shown in select arthouse theaters across the U.S., the film has now gained wider accessibility on Netflix, allowing a broader audience to experience its contemplative intensity. In its final moments, the film presents a striking image of Grainier as a passenger on a train, gazing out at land he once traversed by foot—a powerful reminder of the passage of time and the sacrifices made by those who came before.
“Train Dreams” stands as a reflective homage to the unacknowledged laborers of history, offering insight into the intersection of human lives and the relentless forces of nature. The film resonates with the understanding that despite human tragedy, the natural world has its own way of rebounding, leaving behind the quiet, haunted dreams of those who once roamed its landscapes.