The best films remind you to appreciate your life, the people around you, and the possibilities that our world offers. Chloé Zhao’s Nomandland, based on the novel by Jessica Bruder, is undoubtedly one of those movies.
In just one hour and fifty minutes, Nomadland captures so many different life stories, all connected by one woman. It centers around Fern - played by Frances McDormand - who loses her job, lives in her van, and travels through the western United States. The film introduces the audience to her acquaintances, loved ones, and even the people she has lost. While many of the minor characters have a limited amount of screentime, they do not lack complexity. Impressive full-circle moments bring these separate narratives together into one
impactful ending. By highlighting the troubles of the characters, this powerful story reinforces the importance of compassion and empathy.
Through this collection of simple yet powerful scenes, Zhao and McDormand managed to convey a wide range of human emotions in an incredibly touching, authentic way. Loss, grief, acceptance, and restlessness are all present in the lives of Fern and those around her.
Fern’s story emphasizes the idea that everyone’s way of life does not look the same, and there is no one definition of “home.” While trying to make a living after the Great Recession, she attempts to balance her independence and wanderlust with the need for social interaction and community. Her connection to nature, as illustrated through the film’s beautiful cinematography, holds great significance during times of isolation and loneliness.
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