Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Fred Hawson

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765178300827AAAAQWwfDvrCbdI-7TfIDe3wTunc5m7PeCZ4p77SMl7rw_jw-VCF1NTgS6I-xGT6mYGC9VcY3wV_fZd_lvCi_jgB0EMaGLQ1goBJh_G9qogSltmhdKhtGzLK7p6RVpqSJcsQtQ51-Zg8EUMQWgVI4apOl05CRxI.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Joel Edgerton in &#x27;Train Dreams.&#x27; Netflix</div>Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) lived in the woods of Idaho since he was 6 years old orphan. He dropped out of school as a teenager and led an aimless life for the next 20 years. He did not find anything interesting to do until he met Gladys Olding (Felicity Jones) at church one Sunday, fell in love and got married. They built a cabin beside a river and not long after, they had a daughter Kate. From then on, Robert&#x27;s hermit life had found direction.This film was a thoughtful reflection about the life of simple man who lived in the American countryside. The first specific year mentioned was 1917, the time when Robert worked for the Spokane International Railroad to build a bridge over a deep gorge. This was the year Robert&#x27;s sensibility was traumatized by the senseless murder of a Chinese co-worker. This guy&#x27;s face would be the first of many that would haunt Robert for the rest of his life.In the course of his many jobs, he&#x27;d meet different eccentric characters, like dynamite expert Arn Peeples (William H. Macy). He had a sense of sentimentality as he remembered history -- from the tents that dated back to the Civil War to the boots he nailed to tree trunks as a commemoration of men who died in the line of duty. He also expressed his regrets for cutting down trees that were as old as 500 years -- very much an underlying theme of this film. . Since Robert was always away for a long time when logging, Gladys wanted to find a way to keep their family together. The plan was all set --  he would quit logging and they&#x27;ll build a sawmill of their own. Fate would have it that this fervent dream would not come to pass as planned. Life can be very unpredictable, and even downright cruel. One might learn to go on with his life, but this &quot;life&quot; would be hollow with loss for a very long time.Joel Edgerton gave a sensitive performance here, as Robert lived up to 80, An Oscar nom is not unlikely. He spoke very little in the film, but his sad weathered face said it all. Director Clint Bentley evoked Terence Mallick here. With his cinematographer Adolfo Veloso, editor Patrick Laramie and narrator Will Patton, he had created a poetic portrait of a man and the difficult life he went through. We are riveted. We are moved. <div> </div>This review was originally published in the author&#x27;s blog, “<a href="https://said-fred.blogspot.com/2025/11/netflix-review-of-train-dreams-hopes-of.html">Fred Said.</a>”

Anchored by Joel Edgerton’s career-best work and Clint Bentley’s meditative storytelling, 'Train Dreams' stakes its claim as one of this year’s quiet but undeniable Oscar hopefuls.

Anchored by Joel Edgerton’s career-best work and Clint Bentley’s meditative storytelling, ' Train Dreams' stakes its claim as one of this year’s quiet but undeniable Oscar hopefuls.

'Train Dreams' review: Joel Edgerton steers toward Oscar territory

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Movies & Series

'Train Dreams' review: Joel Edgerton steers toward Oscar territory

Fred Hawson

Published Dec 09, 2025 08:00 AM PHT

Read More:

movie review

Train Dreams

Oscars

Joel Edgerton

Netflix

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.