A contemplative movie about deep emotions and thoughts on life, death and everything in between. The intimate road drama takes the seeds of real stories and nurtures them with real people then subverts your conventional perception of home, family, remembrance, sense of belonging, companionship, possessions and work dichotomies. Nomadland is a gorgeous reflection of the human condition, it restores our faith in humanity and our ability to help others, heal and survive— for no man is an island.
Melancholia has a strong presence throughout, following the death of her husband and losing everything in the great recession, Fern (Frances McDormand), a woman in her sixties, embarks on a journey through the western United States, living as a van-dwelling modern day nomad. A sad, yet humanistic, gritty and poetic depiction of love, loss, doubt, and grief in the most unforgiving economic climate. Frances McDormand delivers a worthy performance, excels breathing life into her character. While watching I forgot Fern was Frances McD, evidence of her transcendent performance.
Frances McDormand as Fern
Nomadland is a prolific adaptation of journalist Jessica Bruder’s book (based on a book of the same name). The film was produced, written and directed by Chloé Zhao. Very creative directing since much of it was shot incredibly tight spaces. Like in her previous films The Rider and Songs My Brothers Taught Me, the director cast non-professional actors (Bob Wells, Swankie, Linda May), These non-professional actors and their real-life stories guided the movie’s script. With a cast and crew members of the production immersed themselves in the community and lived out of vans themselves for the months-long shoot, which grounds the story in authenticity and real-life elements helped shape the character of Fern. Critical acclaim and Oscar buzz has turned this dark horse indie film by Chloé Zhao, into one of the best films of the year (most frequently ranked by critics and publications), celebrated for its direction, screenplay, editing, cinematography, and transcendent performances, especially of McDormand – a heart-breaking performance as she lets her eyes do the speaking.
Nomadland’s significance will be long-lasting, it’s timely right now, for two reasons. First, the escapist nature of the film, which offers a journey for viewers who have not been able to travel for nearly a year. Second, is the emotional journey of Fern, which may be kindred to audiences struggling with the implications the pandemic has introduced. In conclusion, this triumphant drama navigates life on road, guides us down along life exploration and self-discovery that transcends boundaries that I’m sure will resonate with audiences everywhere.
GENRE Drama
RELEASED January 2021
DIRECTED BY Chloé Zhao
RUNTIME 1hr 48min