FILM REVIEW: NOMADLAND

 NOMADLAND

DRAMA FILM, 2020

"Nomadland" is an film directed by Chloé Zhao. The story follows a woman named Fern (McDormand) who, after losing everything in the economic recession, decides to travel across the American West in a van and live as a modern-day nomad. The film is a beautiful and emotional journey that explores the idea of home, community, and the American dream.

Fern

The film opens with Fern, working at a factory in the small town of Empire, Nevada. The town has been abandoned due to the economic recession, and Fern loses her job and her home. She decides to sell most of her possessions and buys a van to live in. Fern then joins a community of modern-day nomads who also live in their vehicles and travel from place to place in search of work.

Empire, Nevada00

Throughout the film, Fern travels through the American West, taking on temporary jobs such as working at an Amazon fulfillment center during the holiday season, cleaning restrooms at a national park, and cooking at a campsite. She meets other nomads along the way, including Linda May and Swankie, who share their stories and experiences with her. Along the way, Fern forms a bond with Dave, played by David Strathairn, another nomad who becomes a friend and potential love interest.Through these interactions, Fern begins to find a sense of community and belonging.

Fern delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing the complex emotions and experiences of a woman who is navigating a life of uncertainty and change. She brings a quiet intensity to the role, conveying the character's grief, resilience, and sense of humor with subtlety and nuance. McDormand disappears into the character, embodying Fern's physicality and mannerisms. She is surrounded by a cast of non-professional actors, many of whom are real-life nomads playing versions of themselves. Their authenticity and naturalism add to the film's realism and emotional impact.

The film Nomadland is based on a non-fiction book by Jessica Bruder titled "Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century." The book was published in 2017.The book explores the lives of people who live on the road in search of work, including older Americans who have been forced out of retirement due to economic instability. The film adaptation, directed by Chloé Zhao, follows the book's themes and characters while adding its own cinematic interpretation.

The film Nomadland is set in various locations across the American West. Fern travels from place to place in her van, taking on temporary work at each location. The cinematography in "Nomadland" is stunning. The film beautifully captures the vast landscapes and natural beauty of the American West, from the mountains and deserts to the open plains and expansive skies. The different locations also provide a glimpse into the unique cultures and communities that exist in these areas, from the mining towns of Nevada to the Badlands of South Dakota. It has a sense of stillness and calmness that reflects the life of a modern-day nomad.

The film Nomadland is set in the present day, with much of the story taking place in 2011 and 2012. The film's opening scenes reference the economic recession of 2008 and its impact on the town of Empire, Nevada, where the main character Fern lived and worked in a factory. The film depicts the ongoing struggles of many Americans in the aftermath of the recession, and how it has affected their ability to find work, keep a home, and live a stable life.

In conclusion, Nomadland is a beautifully crafted film that explores themes of loss, community, and the search for home.The film offers a poignant and thought-provoking reflection on the human condition. Its an ideal film for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of modern life, people looking for alternative lifestyle or travel and adventure.

Reviewed by

Mores Murimi

CEO Tripple M Films

https://youtu.be/JWaRkopOIDs