“The Station Agent” (2003) is a warm and genuine comedy-drama starring Peter Dinklage as Finbar McBride, a quiet railroad enthusiast living a solitary existence in northern New Jersey. Working in a model train hobby shop, Fin is stunned when the shop’s owner, Henry, passes away unexpectedly—leaving him an abandoned train depot in his will.
Relocating to rural Jefferson Township to inhabit the small, dilapidated terminus building, Fin soon becomes acquainted with Joe (Bobby Cannavale) a roadside snack truck owner and Olivia (Patricia Clarkson) a local woman grieving the loss of her young son. The unlikely friendship between the trio becomes the groundwork for a pleasing tale of loss, camaraderie and renewal.
Written and directed by Tom McCarthy (“Win Win “, “Spotlight”), “The Station Agent” is a modest yet touching story highlighted by wonderful performances by all three leads. In his first foray behind the camera, McCarthy delivers a simple yet unpredictable and engaging story of human interaction and redemption. It’s an earnest and charming sleeper film very much worthy of rediscovery.
View the trailer:
Comments