Netflix’s New Historical Drama Debuts to Widespread Critical Acclaim

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Netflix recently released a new historical drama, and critics are already predicting it will be a big success for the streaming service.

The movie Train Dreams recently became available on Netflix after playing in a few US theaters, and it’s quickly gaining attention for its compelling story and Joel Edgerton’s impressive performance.

Clint Bentley directed the film, which is adapted from Denis Johnson’s novella of the same title. It premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and was released to a broader audience later that year.

Variety and other industry publications have lauded the film for its strong direction and moving story. Many critics are calling Edgerton’s performance the best of his career so far.

The film centers on Robert Grainier, a reserved railroad worker living during a period of immense change in America. His frequent absences create difficulties in his personal life, and the story explores his search for purpose in a rapidly evolving world. Reviewers have praised the film for its ability to powerfully convey emotions through subtle storytelling and minimal dialogue.

The last trailer for the movie Train Dreams is now available. I’ll share more thoughts soon, but I can confidently say it’s a beautifully made film. It’s playing at The Grand Cinema for the next week, and I highly recommend seeing it in theaters if you get the chance.

— Chase ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson (@EclecticHutch) November 20, 2025

Rotten Tomatoes reports a 94% approval rating based on over a hundred reviews. One critic called the movie “a beautiful and thoughtful look at America… it feels epic, but also deeply personal and moving.” Metacritic gives the film a score of 88, indicating “universal acclaim.”

Many viewers have praised the film’s beautiful visuals, particularly its sweeping shots of landscapes from the early 1900s. One critic noted that actor Joel Edgerton conveys emotion through his expressions, mirroring the affectionate way he and the cinematographer, Adolpho Veloso, approached their work. Another reviewer described Edgerton’s performance as a masterclass, the culmination of years of dedicated skill.

One of the most insightful compliments came from a critic who explained the story’s powerful impact, describing the character Grainier as “an ordinary person who embodies the entire spectrum of human feeling.”

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2025-11-22 17:14