Nomadland: Film Review

America will be!" In this time of sheer division and strife in the country, it is necessary that we are reminded of what unites us. Films like this one and, to provide another example, Minari (2020, dir. Lee Isaac Chung) reexamine, reevaluate, and remind us of the beauty of America and wholesomeness of the natural world. 

One of the hallmarks of Zhao’s filmmaking is the inclusion of non-professional actors and principal roles. This film, in fact, Mark‘s the first time Zhao has used professional actors, though there are only two. Frances McDormand in her role as Fern gives an inspired and realistic performance. Her quiet and unmannered demeanor guides the film, yet makes her presence almost unremarkable (in a good way) amongst the real-life nomads cast in the film. She, after her performances in 2017's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and this film, is quickly becoming my favorite actress (Tom Hanks is my favorite actor). David Strathairn, the sole other professional in the cast, is so convincing in his role, I didn't know that he was a professional actor until I looked it up after the film. 

It is the performances from the modern-day nomads that give the film its heart. Linda May and Swankie are the two most principal nomads and they provide such a sense of empathy and realness, which is interesting because the film makes known the fact that these folks aren't looking for empathy or sympathy. They are perfectly happy with the way they chose to live their life. In fact, there's a moment in the film where one of the nomads refers to her time as a nomad as her "healing journey," meaning this lifestyle is often viewed by the nomads as healing or essential for the soul, in a sense. I think that's beautiful. Linda May, Swankie, and the rest of the nomads are the emotional core of the film. It is through their stories and experiences that we see how those who we perceive to have less than us could be just as, if not more, happy and full.

On the technical side, the film is very impressive. The standout is Joshua James Richards' cinematography. The beautiful shots and landscapes provide a view of America unseen by many Americans. Another piece I thought was interesting was the use of lighting in this film, or the lack thereof. It seemed that every scene was naturally lit, meaning no extra lighting was used other than that of the sky. It helps add to the film's very realistic feel.

Nomadland is a stunning portrait of America and its people. Its docu-fiction hybrid, almost cinéma vérité, style allows for a window into a relatively unknown world. It is gentle, compassionate, and poetic, in a way. This film is rightfully at the top of many lists this year, and is sure to be near the top of mine.

Viewed on Dec. 30, 2020 via screener

Run Time: 108 minutes

Rated R for some full nudity