Directed by Chloé Zhao
Starring: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May
Rated R for some full nudity
In Nomadland, Frances McDormand plays a nomad, an individual that is “house-less” and travels to various places. Set in the early 2010’s, Fern (played by McDormand) lives in her van and travels throughout the American West. She takes various jobs and meets interesting individuals, including fellow nomad, Dave (played by David Strathairn).
If the previous synopsis makes the film set out to be one without a plot, well it kinda is. The film follows around the aforementioned Fern and her adventures. She goes to eye popping locations, works at interesting jobs, such as Amazon and a campsite, and meets other nomads, which play a fictionalized versions of themselves. Unfortunately, the film does not have a central plot as most films have. Most films have a goal a character has to achieve. Often our main character could grow and learn something new. This does not apply to Nomadland. In hindsight, the film plays out like a documentary with the exception of the scenes that involve Fern and Dave. Looking back, the film would have been perfect as a documentary. The film already features real life nomads, why not interview them about their journey? The film could have followed around a real life nomad for a year and see how she lives in various locations.
These are of course just ideas for what could have been a documentary on the subject. And stating Nomadland should have been a documentary does not diminish the film in anyway. It is still well made film that keeps the audience engaged, despite the lack of plot. I suppose the lack of plot is suppose to mirror the real life nomads. Going to life without a real destination and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
Speaking of nature, this does bring me to the part of the film I enjoyed the most, the cinematography. Cinematographer Joshua James Richards does an excellent job displaying what mother nature has to offer. From the cliffs of a windy beach to the deserts of Arizona, Richards makes use of the nature around the characters and presents it beautifully on the screen. The whole film could have been just shots of nature throughout the American West and I wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Finally, I would like to mention the acting performances in the film. For a film that only has two Hollywood actors, Frances McDormand and David Strathairn, the film does an excellent job with the real life nomads, who I assume had zero acting experiences prior to this film. These real life individuals sell the film. I am not sure if they were given a script or were told to improvise, but they certainly make an impression. I personally would not become a nomad, but seeing these individuals make me understand why they are doing this. I understood the importance of not being tied to a mundane life and seeking adventure even if it means that you are living in a van and having little income. And of course, Frances McDormand and David Strathairn are just fantastic in the film. The two veteran actors bring their A game and blend in as nomads. Not once did I see these two as actors portraying nomads, but actually viewed them as actual nomads. Except an Oscar nomination for McDormand and, considering the Oscars love to throw in a surprise nomination,perhaps Strathairn.
If Nomadland was a documentary feature, this would have been a perfect film. However, the mix of non fiction and fiction does throw me off a bit. I truly believe director Chloé Zhao should have made this a documentary as a story like this works well for a documentary. While the lack of a plot does disinterest me, it is still an enjoyable film that features two great veteran actors along with real life nomads who sell their story well against the beautiful backdrop of mother nature.
3.5/4
Edward's Film Reviews 