Netflix has bought the drama “Train Dreams” starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones and William H. Macy, according to Variety. Deadline reported the purchase was over $10 million.
The film is an adaptation of Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella of the same name.
The story follows a day laborer building America’s railroads at the start of the 20th century as he experiences love, defeat and a world transforming before his eyes (read KPCW’s review).
The film has been well received. “Train Dreams” has a 92% fresh score with critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie, which premiered in Salt Lake City Jan. 25, was directed by Clint Bentley, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Greg Kwedar. The two recently collaborated on “Sing Sing,” which received an Academy Award nomination for best adapted screenplay.
Netflix has made big purchases at Sundance in recent years. In 2022 the company purchased the erotic thriller “Fair Play” for $20 million. Last year Netflix bought “It’s What’s Inside” for $17 million.
The purchase of Train Dreams is the second reported deal at Sundance 2025. The company Neon bought the horror film “Together” for $15 million.
