Joel Edgerton reveals how new Netflix film could get close to answering the meaning of life

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Okay, let me tell you about Train Dreams. It hits Netflix tomorrow, November 21st, and honestly, it’s not the kind of movie you usually find scrolling through the streaming service. It’s… different. It’s not your standard fare, and I think that’s a good thing.

I recently saw this incredible drama starring Joel Edgerton. He plays a pretty regular guy living in the Pacific Northwest around the turn of the 20th century – a time of huge change in America. While his life definitely isn’t without big events, and even some really tough moments, the movie isn’t flashy or over-the-top. It’s a really quiet, thoughtful film that takes its time and feels more like a meditation than a typical, dramatic story. It’s beautifully done.

He explained that the book, and now the movie, doesn’t offer a definitive answer to life’s meaning. Instead, it thoughtfully explores the question of what gives a life its purpose. It also considers what a lifetime of experiences ultimately amounts to, especially for those who live a long life.

What struck me most about the novella was its take on the Western genre. It wasn’t the typical story of violence and revenge. Instead, it was a thoughtful, almost philosophical look at a powerful, yet simple, life – a life filled with deep meaning.

Edgerton was particularly struck by how the story examined the connection—or disconnection—between people and the natural world. He noted he frequently needs to remind himself just how separate he can feel from the Earth.

He explained that people tend to take from the planet instead of feeling connected to it, unlike many indigenous cultures. He felt strongly about this idea and said it really resonated with him.

New writers are often told the most important thing is to create a protagonist who makes things happen, instead of just letting events happen to them. A good main character should actively push the story forward, not simply react to whatever comes along.

The character is thoughtful and reserved, mostly watching the world around him. However, that’s contrasted by moments of intense violence and a lot of death in the film. It’s a compelling mix because the story doesn’t shy away from difficult truths about life – it directly addresses how people cope with terrible experiences and find a way forward.

There’s a blend of calm and peace, but just like in nature, there are also times of intense destruction and harm.

For writer and director Bentley, whose previous work included co-writing the highly praised film Sing Sing, the goal with this new movie was simply to portray everyday life as it is for many people.

He pointed out that most people don’t experience dramatic, world-altering events. However, he recalled the powerful emotions of falling in love for the first time, and the intense sadness of losing a parent – experiences that, while common, are deeply felt.

These are powerful, fundamental feelings that shape everyone’s life, regardless of how dramatic it may seem. I always hoped the movie would capture that essence.

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2025-11-20 17:37