The Station Agent

REVIEW
Finbar McBride, a handsome dwarf, is the co-owner of a train/hobby shop in Hoboken, New Jersey. He's soft-spoken, introspective and reclusive -- it's not necessarily his size but more his personality that makes it a bit difficult for him to warm up to strangers. He just prefers to keep his distance. When his partner passes away, Fin inherits and relocates to an abandoned train station in the Jersey countryside. Little did Fin or anyone watching this funny, glorious character study know what immense pleasure would come from such a move. With his debut as writer-director, McCarthy has fashioned a charming, quirky story of three outsiders who come together in spite of themselves to form an endearing bond of unconditional friendship. Dinklage is extraordinary as Fin, who combines vulnerability, resolve and a world-weariness well beyond Fin's years; Clarkson continues to demonstrate she's one of the leading actresses of American independent cinema with a ferocious but touching portrayal of a woman a little too close to the edge; and Cannavale rounds out this appealing trio as a gregarious hot dog stand vendor looking after his dying father. An enchanting, superior story of comaraderie and acceptance, loneliness and the ability to defeat it.