AceShowbiz - Out of the ten films nominated for Best Picture at the 2026 Academy Awards, the competition is fierce, with front-runners such as Sinners and One Battle After Another dominating much of the conversation. However, Netflix boasts two contenders this year: Frankenstein and Train Dreams. While Guillermo del Toro’s monster movie has its admirers, the one film that stands out as a potential Oscar upset is undoubtedly Train Dreams. This 2026 Oscar-nominated movie is a compelling choice that you should watch now, and here’s why.

Train Dreams is a visually stunning period drama set in early 20th-century America. Directed and co-written by Clint Bentley, the film captures life on the railroad frontier with breathtaking cinematography. The imagery is so meticulously crafted that it almost feels like a window to the past, with only subtle digital effects used to remove modern-day elements. This attention to detail transports viewers back over a century, offering an authentic portrayal of the era’s rugged landscapes and lifestyles.

Although Train Dreams is available on Netflix, it is a movie that truly benefits from a big-screen experience. This was fortunate for some viewers, as the film had a theatrical release in order to qualify for the Oscars. Among its four Oscar nominations, the film’s strongest contender is Adolpho Veloso’s nod for Best Cinematography. Given the visual mastery displayed throughout the movie, this is the award Train Dreams has the best chance of securing.

At the heart of the film is Joel Edgerton’s remarkable performance as Robert Grainier, a quiet railroad worker whose life spans several decades. Robert is a man of few words, with much of his internal dialogue conveyed through narration by Will Patton rather than spoken lines. Despite this, Edgerton’s acting is incredibly expressive, communicating profound emotions through subtle glances, facial expressions, and body language. His portrayal is so nuanced that viewers may forget how little he actually speaks during the film.

The emotional depth of Robert’s character is especially evident in his relationship with Gladys Olding, played by Felicity Jones. Their love story, though sparse and understated, carries tremendous weight. Even when the two are not sharing scenes, their bond resonates powerfully. Gladys’s presence—and her absence—significantly shapes Robert’s journey. While Robert encounters other characters along the way, including friends and acquaintances, it is Gladys who leaves the most lasting impact.

Train Dreams carries a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. Without giving too much away, the film’s narrative delivers emotional punches rooted in tragedy that stay with viewers. Supporting performances from William H. Macy as Arn Peeples and Kerry Condon as Claire Thompson are also noteworthy, adding depth to the story. Yet it is Arn’s perspective and words that hold particular power within the film’s reflective tone.

It is important to clarify that Train Dreams is not a ghost story, but there is an intangible, haunting quality to Robert’s experience that never fully dissipates. Had the film been released in a different year, it might have been considered a top contender for Best Picture. Nevertheless, its presence in this year’s Oscars marks it as one of Netflix’s finest cinematic achievements to date.