"Train Dreams" Adaptation Explores Man's Fading Connection to Nature

In October 2025, director Clint Bentley's film adaptation of Denis Johnson's novella "Train Dreams" made its debut at the BFI London Film Festival. The movie, which stars Joel Edgerton as the lead character Robert Grainier, follows the story of an itinerant lumber worker in the Pacific Northwest at the turn of the 20th century.

Bentley, who previously directed the film "Jockey," was drawn to the timeless themes of Johnson's work, describing the story as "an elegy for a lost world and a lost time." The film explores Grainier's life and the changing landscape of America as it industrialized, with the director noting the universality of the story that resonated with the film's international crew.

Edgerton's performance as Grainier has been widely praised, with the actor capturing the stoicism and physicality of the character. The film also features Felicity Jones as Gladys, the woman who proposes to Grainier, and a supporting cast that includes William H. Macy, Kerry Condon, and Clifton Collins Jr.

Beyond the compelling narrative, "Train Dreams" serves as a thoughtful meditation on humanity's growing disconnect from nature due to technological advancements. Bentley and the film's crew immersed themselves in the rustic setting, using a wood cabin to truly capture the essence of the era. This contrast highlights the director's observation that modern life has "spoiled us" and the need to reconnect with the natural world.

As the film continues to gain attention, both Bentley and Edgerton have expressed their hope that audiences will find meaning and reflection in Grainier's story, which serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of progress.