Train Dreams (2025) Dir: Clint Bentley

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If I was thinking about new films that were on my radar at the end of 2025, Clint Bentley's Netflix original drama, based on the Denis Johnson novella, would not have been on that list. Quite frankly, it just didn't seem like the kind of film I would leap to watch. However, the overwhelmingly positive critical reception it received convinced me to give it a go, and I'm very glad it did.

There's just something about films set in the American frontier, and the early days of contemporary America, that I find creates such picturesque cinema. This film was abundant in pleasant, nature-rich cinematography, which made you want to breath deep the oxygen of the trees, and to live off in the peaceful wilderness of the rural America. The shot selection was, at times, immaculate - I loved how the characters were framed within each shot, and there were a number of them that stuck with me well after the credits rolled.

The narrative was slow and gentle, but absolutely devastating from an emotional standpoint. I think what made it so was how personal it felt. It truly felt like we, the audience, were right there with the protagonist, witnessing his quiet and dignified life, feeling his grief, contemplating his life with him. It was a very sombre film, at times, but also a very beautiful one. I adored it. The film's gradual pace might be too slow for some, ultimately, but I was swept along by its gentle current quite happily.

I have never really been a fan of Joel Edgerton as an actor, so him being the lead actor in this film wasn't really an ancouraging sign for me. However, I can happily say that I thought he was superb in this. I don't think it would be unreasonable to call this his career best performance. He was brilliant. The way he was able to convey his character's hurt, his vulnerability, and his grief, all while presenting a quieter, gentler exterior. I cannot sing the man's praises enough, on this occasion.

Felicity Jones had fairly limited runtime, compared to Edgerton, but left an indelible impression on the film. She was wonderfully endearing and had instant, natural-feeling chemistry with her on-screen spouse. Equally, I thought the ever-tapented William H. Macy provided a beautiful little performance in one of the film's most memorable supporting roles. I almost always have time for Macy, and he once again proved why he has been such a consistent presence in cinema for the last three decades. Mentions are also warranted for Kerry Condon and her pleasant but small performance, as well as Will Patton, whose narration was simply lovely to listen to.

Overall, despite my lack of interest initially, this became one of the biggest and most unexpected cinematic joys of the year for me. It was such a stunning and earnest piece of cinema, which had heart and emotion running right through its core, all channelled by its excellent leading actor, who turned in his best-ever display, in a role that suited him to the ground. If you watch one Netflix film this year, let it be this one - it was so worth it.