Nick Cave and The National’s Bryce Dessner have teamed up to craft the haunting title track for Netflix’s forthcoming film Train Dreams.
The drama, which debuted at Sundance in January, is slated for a theatrical rollout on November 7, followed by its Netflix premiere on November 21. Directed by Clint Bentley, the adaptation of Denis Johnson’s acclaimed 2011 novella stars Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon and William H. Macy.
Dessner composed the full score, while his collaboration with Cave, co-produced alongside Luis Almau, underscores the film’s closing credits.
“We envisioned a song that would echo the soul of the story, and Nick was the perfect partner,” Bentley explained. “He’s long admired Denis Johnson’s work and, despite gearing up for tour, was moved by an early cut of the film. Inspiration struck instantly and the track came together in no time.”
Bentley admits he felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. “I knew Nick would deliver something profound, yet I wondered if it would truly capture the film’s emotional coda. From our first conversation—talking art, life and lyrics—it became clear this was a special collaboration.”
The Train Dreams soundtrack will be available digitally on November 7, with a vinyl edition arriving November 14. Listen below to Cave and Dessner’s stirring preview of the title song.
