Netflix Debuts Clint Bentley's Adaptation of Denis Johnson's 'Train Dreams'

The highly anticipated film adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novel, 'Train Dreams,' directed by Clint Bentley, arrived on the Netflix streaming platform on November 21, 2025. This digital release followed a limited theatrical run across the United States, which commenced earlier on November 7, 2025. The movie initially premiered to audiences globally at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025, setting the stage for its wider distribution.

The film has garnered significant critical acclaim, particularly highlighting Bentley’s directorial vision and the central performance delivered by Joel Edgerton as Robert Grannier. 'Train Dreams' is already making waves in the awards circuit, securing nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2025 Gotham Film Awards. Grannier, a logger and railway worker operating in the early 20th century, serves as a poignant symbol of America’s relentless industrial expansion. Reviewers have widely praised Edgerton’s portrayal as one of his most nuanced works, effectively capturing the protagonist's profound internal conflict, deep-seated sorrow, and pervasive solitude.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the American Northwest, specifically the remote areas of northern Idaho and Washington state, the cinematography by Adolfo Veloso masterfully captures the untamed, primeval forests. The narrative centers on Grannier’s life, encompassing the brief period of happiness he shared with Gladys, played by Felicity Jones, and their daughter, Kate, before a devastating tragedy plunges him into profound isolation. Jones provides a delicate counterpoint to the taciturn hero, emphasizing the fragile stability they desperately tried to establish. The supporting cast features notable actors, including William H. Macy as Arna Peoples and Clifton Collins Jr., rounding out the ensemble.

Critics have lauded the movie for its powerful visual language, often drawing comparisons to the evocative style of Terrence Malick. Furthermore, the deeply moving score, composed by Bryce Dessner—who previously collaborated with Bentley on the film 'Jockey'—is frequently singled out for praise. The movie distinguishes itself through its restrained storytelling approach. Clocking in at just over 100 minutes, this concise runtime ensures the focus remains sharply concentrated on the character’s inner landscape. Ultimately, 'Train Dreams' functions as a moving elegy dedicated to the lives consumed by the unstoppable march of industrialization.

The film’s structure allows the audience to deeply inhabit Grannier’s world, where the vast, unforgiving landscape mirrors his emotional state. The pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow, heavy labor of the era. This careful construction ensures that every moment carries weight, making the inevitable heartbreak all the more resonant for viewers. The decision to debut theatrically before the Netflix drop gave the picture a critical runway, allowing word-of-mouth to build momentum ahead of its broader streaming availability.