"Nomadland": Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
The highly anticipated "Nomadland" written/directed/edited by Chloé Zhao ("The Rider") mostly fulfills its hefty, Oscar-worthy expectations. By utilizing mostly non-actors to play themselves (other than Frances McDormand and a few others) Zhao poetically captures the American West with a breath of charming authenticity. The overarching structure of its narrative can sometimes disrupt its emotionally resonant moments, but there's enough substantial drama to more than overcome its noticeable shortcomings.
In the post-recession United States, Fern (McDormand) a soul-searching nomad, deals with the recent death of her husband.
While "Nomadland" doesn't inherently rely on a constructed story path, its wide range of colorful characters and strong dialogue is what connects the entirety of the film together. Every moment of its meditational script reveals the economic struggles that so many Americans battle with every day. Through its endless array of uniquely dazzling locations (exquisitely shot by Joshua James Richards), "Nomadland" delivers a sweeping perspective on America's voiceless.
Bob Wells's melancholic yet moving final speech about his son's suicide (a real nomad) or Swankie's (also a real nomad) philosophical acceptance of death is where the film's strongest points lie. These various characterizations are tremendously powerful and further highlight Fern's journey with thoughtful perceptiveness. Even though there's an emptiness that persists, it all feels like a conscious decision by the filmmakers to make the audience feel as alone as Fern. And McDormand embodies Fern, making her performance feel deeply personal and heartfelt.
Zhao's second feature film is currently the front runner to win the best picture award at the 2021 Oscars, and it's largely deserving. There are minor quibbles to be had with some of its plot development and character arcs but its most engrossing sensibilities far outweigh the distractions. "Nomandland" hinges on its beautifully weaved tale on how economic instability can affect the lives of so many individuals across America, and it's achieved with Zhao's filmmaking prowess.
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