Have you ever stopped to think about the train laborers who helped build America’s railways? Here’s a film that you won’t soon forget. Chris Bentley’s “Train Dreams” is a meditative, generation-spanning tale about a man witnessing history at a crossroads.

Set in the early 1900s, the wandering plot follows the life of a logger named Robert (Joel Edgerton). Early on, he settles down and builds a home and family with his wife, Gladys (Felicity Jones). But that contentment doesn’t last long, as Robert has to leave home for extended periods of time for work. While on the job, Robert witnesses an event that will haunt all of his days and nights.

The picture is presented in a 3:2 aspect ratio, like an old photograph, and the gorgeous, clear-eyed cinematography gives us some stunning views of towering forests and twilight skies. The poetic imagery and use of natural light is reminiscent of filmmaker Terrence Malick’s notable aesthetic. Joel Edgerton’s stoic performance does a lot of the heavy lifting in this minimalist story, and William H. Macy shows up in a small but impactful role as an explosives expert working with the railroad crews. He also says the phrase “Minnesota fellows” no less than twice during the film.

“Train Dreams” is constructed with universal themes of family, old-fashioned hard work, and the perils of navigating loss. It really nails just how fragile life could be during this time period. And despite the film taking place many years ago, some of the issues it confronts still resonate today. It comments on the undignified treatment of immigrants, and at one point, a devastating and deadly wildfire changes an entire landscape.

This is a sad and melancholy film, but it’s also beautifully moving. The emotion is intensified by Bryce Dessner’s stirring, string-driven score. “Train Dreams” is about how the passage of time can bring both progress and destruction, miracles and tragedies. And sometimes it’s about luck, or the lack of it.

“Train Dreams” is available to stream with your Netflix subscription.

Zach Murphy is an avid enthusiast of cinema, theater and storytelling. He lives with his wonderful wife Kelly in St. Paul. You can read more reviews at his blog, Fade to Zach.