The new Netflix period drama Train Dreams arrives with a heavy promise of epic storytelling and stunning visuals. Starring Joel Edgerton, the film takes viewers back to the early 20th century American West. It aims to capture the grit of the railroad expansion and the soul of the working class.
However, despite the beautiful scenery, the movie struggles to keep its momentum. Critics and early viewers are finding that the slow pace turns this dream into a bit of a nap.
A Gorgeous Ride Leading Nowhere
Clint Bentley directs this adaptation of Denis Johnson’s acclaimed novella. The story follows Robert Granier, a laborer working on the railroads in the early 1900s.
The film spans decades of Granier’s life as he faces personal tragedy and a changing world. Visually, the movie is a masterpiece that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
“The cinematography is so breathtaking you could frame every shot and hang it on your wall.”
However, a pretty picture does not always make a gripping movie. The primary issue lies in the pacing and the lack of narrative drive.
The story meanders through the years without a strong hook to keep the audience invested. You watch Granier build cabins, clear forests, and stare at horizons. While realistic, these scenes often feel repetitive and lack dramatic tension.
The movie relies heavily on atmosphere rather than plot. This approach works for some art-house films, but here it feels empty.
Viewers might find themselves checking their phones or glancing at the clock. The runtime feels much longer than it actually is because so little happens on screen.
Joel Edgerton Train Dreams Netflix railroad period drama scene
Edgerton Shines While Macy Steals the Show
Joel Edgerton proves once again why he is one of the most reliable actors working today. He plays Granier with a quiet dignity that feels authentic to the time period.
Edgerton conveys deep emotion with very few words. You can feel his weariness and his hope just by looking at his posture.
He represents the classic American spirit of hard work and resilience.
Key Performances in Train Dreams:
- Joel Edgerton: Anchors the film with a stoic, grounded performance that carries the emotional weight.
- Felicity Jones: Plays Granier’s wife, bringing warmth and light to the early sections of the film.
- William H. Macy: Delivers a spark of energy as an explosives expert on the railroad crew.
- The Landscape: The mountains and forests act as a character themselves, overshadowing the humans at times.
While Edgerton does the heavy lifting, William H. Macy provides a much needed jolt of life.
Macy appears in a smaller role but dominates every scene he is in. His character has the best lines and brings a sense of danger and humor.
It is a shame he is not in the movie longer. When he leaves the screen, the energy levels drop significantly.
Comparisons to Malick Miss the Mark
Many critics have noted that Train Dreams tries very hard to mimic the style of legendary director Terrence Malick.
The film uses similar techniques found in masterpieces like Days of Heaven or The Tree of Life. It features whispering narration, sun-drenched nature shots, and a floating camera.
But copying a style is not the same as capturing its soul.
The “Malick Effect” Breakdown:
| Feature | Terrence Malick Films | Train Dreams |
|---|---|---|
| Narration | Poetic, internal, spiritual | Literal, explanatory, flat |
| Visuals | Connects nature to emotion | Pretty but feels like wallpaper |
| Meaning | Deep philosophical questions | Surface level observations |
In Malick’s films, the voiceover reveals the inner secrets of a character’s soul. In Train Dreams, the narration simply tells you what you are already seeing.
It treats the audience like they cannot understand the story without help. This removes the mystery and poetry that makes this genre special.
The movie ends up feeling like a high budget imitation rather than an original piece of art.
Adapting Denis Johnson Is a Tall Order
Denis Johnson’s novella is beloved for its strange, hallucinatory prose. Adapting such a unique book into a standard movie is a massive challenge.
The book deals with internal thoughts and surreal moments that are hard to film. The director struggles to translate Granier’s internal “dreams” onto the screen.
There is a subplot involving a lost family member and a “wolf boy” legend. In the book, this is haunting and magical.
In the movie, it feels rushed and a bit confusing. It arrives too late in the runtime to make a real emotional impact.
The tragedy that defines Granier’s life happens, but we are kept at a distance. We watch him suffer, yet we rarely feel his pain effectively.
This emotional disconnect is the film’s biggest fatal flaw.
Final Verdict for Netflix Viewers
Train Dreams is not a bad movie, but it is a frustrating one. It has all the ingredients of an Oscar contender but forgets to cook them properly.
The production design, costumes, and music are top tier. You can tell a lot of care went into recreating the era.
However, a movie needs a beating heart, not just pretty clothes.
Quick Summary:
- Watch it if: You love cinematography, Joel Edgerton, or slow meditation movies.
- Skip it if: You need a strong plot, fast pacing, or hate voiceover narration.
- The Vibe: Like looking at a beautiful painting for two hours without blinking.
The film ends with a line about things being “beautiful.” That is true, but beauty alone is not enough to sustain a feature film.
It serves as a reminder that great acting and great cameras cannot save a dull script.
Most viewers will likely find themselves falling asleep before the credits roll. It is a one way ticket to boredom for the average viewer.
If you decide to stream it, make sure you have plenty of coffee ready.
