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Story perspectives

Clint Bentley's 'Train Dreams' Explores Loss and Industrialization

11/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley, follows Robert Grainier, a logger, from the late 19th into the 20th.
The film explores Grainier's struggles with industrialization, family, and personal loss.
Denis Johnson's novella provides the source material, blending magical realism with meaning.
Joel Edgerton and William H. Macy deliver strong performances.
The film has a limited theatrical release before its Netflix debut on November 21, 2025.

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Story summary

Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley, follows Robert Grainier, a logger, from the late 19th into the 20th.
The film explores Grainier's struggles with industrialization, family, and personal loss.
Denis Johnson's novella provides the source material, blending magical realism with meaning.
Joel Edgerton and William H. Macy deliver strong performances.
The film has a limited theatrical release before its Netflix debut on November 21, 2025.