Detailing the lives of nomads in the American West, Nomadland, the latest film by indie director Chloé Zhao, is a gorgeous and poignant lens into the troubles, joys and sensations of life on the road. Living out of their vans and driving across the country to pursue jobs, Nomadland skilfully depicts those attempting to find freedom and community in a post-recession America.
The film focuses on a nomad named Fern (Frances McDormand) as she journeys through the west, working as an Amazon packager in Nevada, a campground host in the Badlands and a cook at a South Dakota rest stop. Scarred by the death of her husband and the loss of her home, Nomadland follows Fern as she learns to embrace the nomadic lifestyle, forming close relationships with others like her and carving her own sense of belonging.
Nomadland is humorous, melancholic, at times obscene, and incredibly atmospheric. The movie presents itself as a series of loosely connected vignettes, often compressing long periods of time into a few brief moments. Its scenes, varying in length, give glimpses into Fern’s everyday life, deeply immersing the viewer into her experiences and feelings.
One of Nomadland’s most noticeable aspects is in its camerawork. Joshua James Richards, the cinematographer, is able to capture so much of the film’s atmosphere through his work. Sweeping views of the western landscape convey a sense of wonderment and grandeur, and scenes where Fern bonds with other nomads carry a certain warmth and comfort. The immensity of the surrounding wilderness is seen with shots of the jagged pinnacles of the Badlands, the rolling Arizona desert, the frigid peaks of Nevada, all together making some of the film’s most breathtaking moments.
Also notable is Nomadland’s cast. McDormand’s acting as Fern is tremendous; her heartfelt performance gives life to the character, developing her into a genuine and relatable human being. But alongside a talented slate of professional actors, Nomadland casts many real life nomads to fill their roles, helping to ground the film in reality. Bob Wells, who hosts an annual nomad gathering in Quartzsite, Ariz., appears as himself in the film, and it’s at that gathering where Fern and the many of the film’s other characters meet. His speech to Fern toward the end of the film, recounting how his past led him to become a nomad, is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting, and one of the film’s highlight performances.
With its bittersweet performances, spectacular landscapes and unconventional pacing, Nomadland gives an intimate and honest depiction of the lives of people not often depicted in media, making for a captivating and striking watch.
Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
