Netflix’s latest period drama draws from a ‘beloved’ novel and is arriving on the streaming platform earlier than anticipated.

Train Dreams is amongst a number of forthcoming releases that the streaming giant is launching in cinemas initially.

The film will have a brief theatrical run before becoming accessible to subscribers for home viewing.

Initial reviews have started appearing online, with audiences eagerly awaiting its arrival as it has already been dubbed a ‘masterpiece’.

But what is the storyline behind this production? Who features in the ensemble and what are critics already saying about it? Here’s what you need to know.

What is the plot of Train Dreams?

According to Netflix‘s description, Train Dreams adapts the “beloved novella by Denis Johnson”. The narrative centres on Robert Grainier, whose journey spans a period of remarkable transformation in early 20th century America, reports the Mirror.

Left without parents as a child, Robert matures amongst the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he contributes to building the nation’s railway network alongside individuals as memorable as the terrain they traverse. Following a gentle romance, he weds Gladys and they establish a household together.

Yet his employment frequently keeps him distant from her and their small daughter. When circumstances take an unforeseen direction, Robert discovers beauty, harshness and fresh purpose within the forests and timber he has cut down.

Is Train Dreams inspired by actual events?

Train Dreams isn’t rooted in a factual account but draws inspiration from America’s past. Described as a tribute to a disappearing lifestyle and an evolving world, the film explores the remarkable potential within the simplest of lives, depicting an era and community now lost to time – those who constructed pathways to a future beyond their imagination.

Who stars in Train Dreams?

The production features impressive talent on both sides of the camera. Academy Award-nominee Clint Bentley directs, working from a screenplay he co-wrote with fellow Academy Award-nominee Greg Kwedar – the duo behind Sing Sing.

• Star Wars and Black Mass star Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainier
• Academy Award nominee Felicity Jones, known for Rogue One and The Theory of Everything as Gladys Grainier
• Westworld and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood actor Clifton Collins Jr. as Boomer
• Irish actress Kerry Condon as Claire Thompson. Condon has starred in Marvel movies as well as Night Swim and F1.
• Shameless and Fargo actor William H. Macy plays Arn Peeples.
• Paul Schneider who appeared in the first season of Parks and Recreation appears as Apostle Frank

What are critics saying about Train Dreams?

Before its limited theatrical release, Train Dreams has already achieved an remarkable 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have heaped praise upon it, with numerous critics declaring it essential viewing for the year.

One critic proclaimed: “Train Dreams is the most hauntingly beautiful film of the year.”

Another declared: “Train Dreams is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary films of this year, the type that will stick with you, deep in your mind and heart, long after the credits roll.”

Others have proposed the film could rank among lead actor Joel Edgerton’s most accomplished performances to date. One viewer wrote: “In an age of spectacle and noise, Train Dreams dares to whisper. It invites you to slow down, breathe and notice the spaces between moments. A simply stunning film from start to finish.”

Another went as far as to proclaim: “This is one of the great films of the year. In time, it will become one of the best in a decade, then one of the movies that people speak of when asked what inspired them in their life. It is a masterpiece.”

Train Dreams is in cinemas November 7 and streaming on Netflix November 21.