Small but perfectly formed, The Station Agent was the toast of the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, winning three awards including the prestigious Audience Award and going on to win a BAFTA for the “Best Original Screenplay”. A delightful bittersweet comedy, sparkling with a rare blend of subtle humour and touching poignancy. This oddball indie hit is an unadulterated joy - be sure you don’t miss out on one of the best films we have come across in the last few years.

The Station Agent is an uplifting tale of friendship, skilfully directed by actor-turned-director Thomas McCarthy and beautifully performed by the three leads, Peter Dinklage (Elf) Patricia Clarkson (Far From Heaven) and Bobby Cannavale (The Bone Collector). The reclusive Fin McBride (Dinklage) is a dwarf with an obsession for trains. When he inherits a disused railway depot, in the sleepy town of Newfoundland, he seizes the opportunity to live an undisturbed existence, surrounded by railway memorabilia. However, despite his efforts to cut himself off from human company, he reluctantly attracts the friendship of local eccentrics Olivia (Clarkson), an artist grieving for her son, and Joe (Cannavale), the reluctant proprietor of a mobile cafe who has a passion for cooking and an insatiable appetite for conversation and life. Joe’s persistent gestures of friendship slowly bring the reclusive Fin and Olivia out of their respective shells, until the three develop an inseparable union, eventually discovering that even isolation is better shared.

McCarthy portrays the tight bond of this unlikely trio with affectionate humour, exploring the film’s deeper themes of loneliness, grief and the fragile nature of friendship with the lightest of touches.

The Station Agent is lovingly crafted, featuring well-rounded characters and a script that crackles with intelligence and humour. Heart-warmingly optimistic, well-observed and bravely made, this gem of a film is a must-see for any discerning film fan.