Train Dreams

*“I hear them sometimes, out there in the woods, just talking and laughing. * Yeah. I don’t even want to turn my head because I’m afraid that I’ll scare them away.  So I just listen, until they fade away somewhere else.”** Train Dreams is a perfect film; One that explores an entire life in the most unique way I’ve ever seen on a screen. Clint Bentleys second theatrical film is one of the most emotionally complex character studies to grace the industry. I would go as far as calling Train Dreams the most intimate film I’ve seen in my entire life, containing a script that has an extremely deep understanding of the human life.  Train Dreams is very simple, yet complex in its approach to the present themes. These consistent themes of love, loss, grief, growth, understanding, and loneliness display a project that can only be defined by the statement:  Painfully Humane ** **It took me the entire credits to pull myself together, and that’s partially due to the overall melancholy that the film portrays. It hurts, but also finds ways to make you feel your own life more than ever.  I relate to this story more than any film I’ve ever watched because I deeply understand every single word and action of Robert Grainier.  The way he process grief and life is poetic, and speaks directly to my soul.  Not only is Train Dreams my favorite story of 2025, but so many other aspects of the direction and production stand out profoundly.  The cinematography is exactly what I look for in film. The entire film feels like perfect photographs from a dream. The shots that start close and slowly zoom out find a way to display more than just beautiful establishing shots, they display Robert’s emotion.  I can’t praise the cinematography for Train Dreams enough.  The Score is entrancing and so powerful to the point that it feels like its own character. Truly a gift to the ears.  Train Dreams also contains some of the best acting of the entire decade, not containing a single “poor performance”.  Joel Edgerton is heartbreaking as Robert Grainer, and I think I would go as far as saying that this is one of my favorite acting jobs of all time. I feel the character to my core, and that’s largely due to Edgertons ability to portray emotion and deeply human traits.  Felicity Jones is my vote for best supporting actress, she is incredible, and with her screen time is just as impactful as Edgerton. Again just a deeply humane performance.  These two manage to almost make it feel like you’re not watching a movie, but a recording of someone’s life.  Other highly notable roles:  William H. Macy  Kerry Condon Nathaniel Arcand  John Diehl  Train Dreams is one of those films that I don’t think I’ll ever forget; One of those films that changes your outlook on life.  To me, Clint Bentley just made the film of the decade, and without a doubt the film I’ve most related to in my entire life. Simply put, Train Dreams is a poetic masterpiece.