Nomadland Review: A Beautiful and Very Human Movie

Release date: February 19, 2021
Running time: 108 minutes
Starring: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May
Director: Chloé Zhao
Writers: Jessica Bruder (based on the book by), Chloé Zhao (written for the screen by)

After losing everything in the Great Recession, a woman embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.

Nomadland is a slow, but wonderfully crafted drama about a life style that many people have probably never seen in such an intimate setting.  It deals with modern day nomads, people that live for the open road rather than being tied down to a single place or locale.  But the movie also deals with broader themes, such as dealing with changing life circumstances, trauma, and our human sense of community.  The film highlights the beauty of the world around us, as it follows Fern along her nomad life.  The cinematography is just stunning, and will let you appreciate why people decide to pack up and take on a van-dwelling life.  And the cinematography is complemented by some subtle music that at times is hauntingly beautiful.  

This film is made by Francis McDormand's amazing, nuanced portrayal.  I love how authentic she felt and how she completely personified Fern.  And her care is so important for telling this story because of how human her character is.  She has issues, but they are never really overtaking her.  It doesn't feel like her character is tragic, or pitied, or flawed; she is just a person living the life that she has chosen to live.  And David Strathairn is also amazing as Dave, another person who lives a nomad life.  I love how different these two were yet their lifestyles were similar.  And aside from the big names, Nomadland brings together a collection of interesting actors and fresh faces to make this very lived in, authentic world come alive.  

And what is so special about this film is that in a time when so many people are divided, Nomadland highlights an amazing sense of community.  Fern will be taken in by all sorts of people she meets on the road, and everyone treats each other with love and compassion.  She meets people from all walks of life, with all different lifestyles, and yet everyone is connected by this love of the road and a very human connection.  It is a bright, beautiful spot in this beautiful movie.  And it is a careful, focused, and nuanced look at a life style that is often denigrated in modern society.  And through this experience, it lets you appreciate both natural beauty and the beauty of the human condition.

Nomadland highlights a different, beautiful lifestyle with a very human performance by McDormand, amazing cinematography, and a wonderful sense of community.

Watch it.

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Nomadland is in theaters on February 19, 2021.  For showtimes, click here.

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