TRAIN DREAMS
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy, Nathaniel Arcand, Clifton Collins Jr., John Diehl, Paul Schneider, and Will Patton
Director: Clint Bentley
ADRIANO
Through its hazy narrative structure, which is like watching a collection of memories accompanied by a stunning score from Bryce Dessner, Train Dreams emerges as one of 2025's best films. Featuring a career-high performance from Joel Edgerton, director/co-writer Clint Bentley takes audiences through the stunningly shot life of an early 20th century labour worker, through the highs and devastating lows. It's an emotional tour de force, showcasing tender meditation and powerful perseverance; you won't find a film that balances stark realism with an alluring dream-like atmosphere like this. If you can get on its wavelength, Train Dreams will stick with you.
NICK
Watching Train Dreams is like exploring a museum. The cinematography is akin to watching a painting move across the screen, the storytelling is straight out of a poem, and it's all coated in history as it moves through the evolution of the world in the early 20th century. Although Joel Edgerton's performance isn't flashy, it's exactly what this film needs, along with the pitch-perfect narration from Will Patton. There are moments the title can be taken too literally — as it almost feels like a lullaby at times — but Train Dreams’ overall achievement in filmmaking won out, and frankly, impressed me.
This film was reviewed by Adriano as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.