Collider's Perri Nemiroff recently engaged in a conversation with Joel Edgerton regarding Netflix's period drama, Train Dreams. Edgerton shared insights into why this deeply human story has resonated profoundly with audiences and is garnering significant awards recognition, even being considered a quiet contender for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. He also reflected on his career trajectory, from his early roles in Star Wars to his directorial debut, and expressed immense pride in his upcoming low-budget psychological thriller, The Plague.

Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley from a script co-written with Greg Kwedar, is based on Denis Johnson's novella. The film features Joel Edgerton in a captivating performance as Robert Grainier, a solitary railroad worker and logger whose journey of grief and self-discovery unfolds amidst the stunning 20th-century Pacific Northwest forests. Edgerton's portrayal, which has generated considerable Best Actor buzz, explores an "ordinary life" that has left a substantial impact on viewers. He described the film's narrative as a "universal kind of journey" that offers both a cathartic emotional experience and a sense of hopefulness about the purpose of life.

The film's success is particularly noteworthy given its intimate scale. Edgerton explained that Netflix's enthusiasm and support for the project were pivotal, transforming it into "the little train that could." He observed that audiences have found diverse meanings in the film, a testament to Clint Bentley's artistry in portraying the universal aspects of an ordinary life—including love, parenthood, work-life balance, and resilience in the face of adversity. This allows the film to be a deeply personal and cathartic experience for many, eliciting hope and reflecting the multifaceted nature of human existence.

Edgerton emphasized the importance of a film like Train Dreams succeeding in the current industry climate, especially as it gains awards season recognition. He likened small, independent movies to "Rocky Balboa at the beginning of the first Rocky movie," needing only a shot to reach an audience and compete alongside larger productions. He firmly believes that the success of any film, regardless of budget, hinges on its ability to make human characters and relationships resonate with audiences. Bentley's skill in making a film with less than $10 million feel much grander further highlights its artistic triumph.

The ensemble cast of Train Dreams also plays a crucial role in enhancing Robert Grainier's journey. Edgerton detailed how each character interaction helps unlock new layers of Robert. Felicity Jones, as Gladys, dimensionalized the themes of love and family, expanding the relationship beyond the novella's scope to include the fabric of domestic life, the fears of parenthood, and marital tensions. William H. Macy and John Diehl represented the kinship and wisdom found in work relationships, offering support and camaraderie even without deep personal trust. Nathaniel Arcand and Kerry Condon's characters symbolized the role of strangers or acquaintances in personal regrowth, offering unconditional support and helping Robert finally express his long-suppressed emotions.

Looking to the future, Edgerton also celebrated The Plague, a low-budget psychological thriller directed by first-time filmmaker Charlie Polinger. Edgerton, who executive produced, described it as "Full Metal Jacket for kids," featuring 12-year-old boys at a water polo camp and exploring themes of cruelty and adolescent development through a body horror prism. He lauded Polinger's mature filmmaking, which exceeded his expectations and earned the film festival recognition. The casting, featuring many young, unobvious, and often first-time actors like Everett Blunck and Kayo Martin, was also highlighted as a key component of its success.

Edgerton reflected on the evolution of his acting craft throughout his career. He admitted that earlier in his career, particularly during Star Wars, he struggled with confidence. His directorial debut, The Gift, taught him the value of freedom in performance; by concentrating on directing, his hyper-focus on acting lessened, leading to a more effortless and liberated approach. For Train Dreams, Edgerton discovered a new tool: trusting himself on screen and embracing a more personal, semi-autobiographical emotional approach. The character of Robert Grainier resonated deeply with Edgerton's own experiences as a husband and father grappling with the demands of work and fears for his family's safety, allowing him to perform without needing to "wear a mask" psychologically.