I anticipated quite a bit from TRAIN DREAMS, mainly because I’d heard such positive things from people I know in film and had noticed some awards attention surrounding it. The movie really leans into 'slow cinema,' focusing on creating a thoughtful and ethereal feel rather than following a standard storyline. I'm drawn to films that use natural visuals, and this one offers just that—a purely visual experience, making the most of our world’s beauty with gorgeous, still images of sunsets by rivers and cabins tucked away in forests. Although it feels familiar at times and you can generally see where things are headed early on, it never feels boring or tedious because of the wonderfully atmospheric music and narration, which establishes a poetic feel without being overly sentimental. Joel Edgerton gives what I consider to be his finest performance yet; it’s a remarkable instance of understated acting, where there isn't much dialogue, but he communicates a vast range of emotion—sorrow, strength—solely through his expressions. It's an affecting story about existence, loss, and perseverance, with some unexpectedly funny moments mixed in. I would have liked to see the film explore certain aspects more thoroughly — particularly instances where the main character is deeply involved in troubling events, as well as the more intense parts of his sorrow—but I realize that pushing those elements might have clashed with Clint Bentley’s intention for a story with minimal dialogue. Ultimately, TRAIN DREAMS demonstrates how impactful a film can be simply by being quiet and observant, showing that a peaceful existence is just as deserving of attention as one filled with drama. Rating: B

Source on TMDB