Train Dreams Review: The best subdued drama of the season
Train Dreams was the third-to-last of the 98th Academy Awards Best Picture nominees I watched. After watching the other two emotionally subdued yet hopeful tragedies that were Hamnet and Sentimental Value, one which I enjoyed enough and one which I found to be one of the weakest Oscar picks in years, respectively, I was hoping Train Dreams would be the one to win me over because, frankly, I usually love tragic dramas and would hate all three of them to be in my bottom three. Thankfully, I really enjoyed Train Dreams by comparison, and am finally excited to get behind the hype for one of this year's dramas. I'm honored you've taken time out of your day to join me in today's Reel Ranker review!
I don't have any negatives regarding this film, which was a breath of fresh air after the aforementioned films. The only thing I have to say is that, for me, the only reason it isn't rated 5 stars is that it isn't one of those super special films. The only thing I could think of outside of that is that the main character's hallucinations and relationship with Claire could've used more depth, but that could also feel like padding out the runtime, so I can't say that's a definite good idea.
Now, for the positive part of the review, aka the whole film. First of all, this is a gorgeous film made for cinemas, yet it was thrown onto streaming almost insultingly (obviously, I'm happy it got distributed in the first place, but the point still stands). Every shot captures the beauty and horror of America at the time, immersing you in the time and place masterfully. The film may not have a flashy set design or anything unique, but nature's wonders are often the most beautiful things to capture.
The performances of everyone involved were impeccable, from the smallest role up to Joel Edgerton's great lead performance. His subtle yet heartbreaking reactions to the constant horrors around him are soul-crushing, and give a gut punch and an empty feeling in your heart. And then, when you feel at your very lowest, the film will use some potent dialogue to get the tears rolling: like "you'd better hold onto something". And another amazing performance was delivered through the narration, which could've just as easily made the film corny beyond belief and less profound, but instead adds to the impeccable old-America vibes fantastically. As a narrative Idahoan myself, Will Patton's narration is simply how I'd imagine it.
The story follows Robert's life from beginning to end, and while it could have been unengaging, it's so raw and realistic, holding nothing back for the audience, deciding to gut-punch them the whole way. This story is not for the faint of heart, and the idea of rewatching it sounds painful in the best way possible, even if it is a catharsis to know that, as many terrible struggles we all go through in life, there are people from a completely different era that struggled more, at the very least physically. And this struggle does inspire, as sad an inspiration as it was.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 77%
Letter Score: A-
Star Ranking: 4 out of 5
Of the three subdued, depressing 9th Oscar season nominees, Train Dreams easily resonated with me the most. Taking the audience back in time and providing an accurate portrayal of my home state of Idaho decades ago, this is an emotionally devastating film that offers heartbreak and hope and challenges the viewer to perceive their struggles in a new light.
Interested in checking out some other 98th Academy Awards nominee reviews? Check them out below!
Brighton NelsonEnjoy this review? Stay tuned for more articles from The Reel Ranker! Enjoy video games? Check out our sister site, RPG Ranked!
