Epic romance adapted for film: Joel Edgerton stars on Netflix’s journey of loneliness and redemption

There is no doubt that it is a Herculean challenge to transform deliberate prose, full of daydreams and abstractions, into a story told clearly and objectively in theaters. Obsessed with the book “Train Dreams”, by Denis Johnson, filmmaker Clint Bentley, with the help of Greg Kwedar on the script, decided to transport Robert Grainer’s fiction to the screen. The fragmented and subjective narrative gives space to a set of contemplative images. The verbiage gives way to silences that say much more. Joel Edgerton, who plays the protagonist, carries the loneliness and melancholy that the role demands. Will Patton drives the feature film through his narration.

Shot in rural locations in Eastern Washington/Pacific Northwest, the production relied on the collaboration of the native community for cultural and logistical consultancy. With a limited budget, the open framing and long scenes gave the film a certain air of grandeur. Also, there is a fire in the story. The location used for the recordings had also gone through a major fire, and the scenery was used for context, giving texture to the photography.

The voice-over, the film’s contemplative air and the reflective, poetic and philosophical scenes were inspired by Terrence Malick, balancing the intimate atmosphere with the brutality of the time in which it takes place. Set in the early decades of the 20th century, during the expansion of the Western United States, Grainer’s journey reflects that of many people of the time. A child who did not know his biological parents because he was passed from relative to relative, without emotional ties, protection or belonging. He was sent according to the conditions of his caregivers and had to work very early, still a child.

When he became an adult, he became a locksmith and railway worker, performing exhausting and itinerant manual work, needing to travel constantly to earn money. When he meets Gladys (Felicity Jones), for the first time he begins to have a sense of belonging, care and love. They get married, build a cabin by the lake and have a daughter, Kate. His moments with his family are described as the happiest of his life. But the harshness of those times and that specific place prepares painful turns for Grainer.

Scenes of the protagonist’s memories hang throughout the montage, as we follow his life line. These elliptical returns emerge smoothly and dreamily, allowing the viewer to delve into these memories without confusion and with a certain degree of emotion and empathy. With long shots, depth and, at the same time, close-ups in moments of intimacy, the photography favors an atmospheric and poetic language. Bryce Dessner, responsible for the soundtrack, combines texture and minimalism, giving space to sounds of nature, ambient noises and discreet music.

Purchased by Netflix at Sundance, “Sonhos de Trem“ was well received by critics. It is a contemplative, visually beautiful and narratively melancholic film. It has a slow tempo, which can make it difficult to connect with the characters or detract from interest in the story, depending on the type of viewer. Personally, I like the film, but it’s not an unforgettable story. Edgerton and Felicity Jones’ performances are beautiful, dedicated and have captivating chemistry. Edgerton has been widely praised for the role. Some critics consider this the best performance of his career and are considering his nomination for Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars. In my opinion, I think it’s unlikely compared to other performances that have received greater acclaim, such as Timothée Chalamet in “Marty Supreme”, Wagner Moura in “The Secret Agent” and Ethan Hawke in “Blue Moon”.