Losing everything in the Great Recession, a middle-aged woman decides to lead a nomadic way of life, meet people and explore places she has never had.
There are two selling points here: Francis McDormand and Chloé Zhao. McDormand is one of the best actresses alive, and no matter what anyone else or I say, I cannot give enough praise for any of her performances. Nomadland is no exception, as her performance is a masterclass. The second selling point is Zhao’s documentary-style filmmaking that expanded to seven states, making it look like a chronicle of a nomad who tries to turn a situation around. It is a great modern example of cinema verité that, if anything, will travel you around the States and show you a way of life that you may not have encountered before. As much as I know poverty very well, this lifestyle/tradition is known to me only through films that have not properly explored it. So, I can’t comment on what I heard regarding its inauthentic depiction. Honestly, it would be wrong if I did.
As for the script, though, I was trying to establish throughout the film whether her choices were actually hers and, if yes, to what extent. Did she partially want this way of life? Was this what she fully wanted? Was it escapism from herself and the people around her? I believe the answer determines the purpose of this hero’s journey. As a huge fan of David Strathairn, I think he deserved more screening time.
Extra credits go to Zhao’s frequent director of photography, Joshua James Richards, whose work is just captivating. Pay attention to the little yet very important elements of the film. The use of diegetic (natural) and non-diegetic (music) sounds, Ludovico Einaudi’s piano, the minimalistic editing and montage in its simplest form, the non-actors acting, and a side of America and certain American people that none of us get to see in either studio or indie level. Oscars for Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Achievement in Directing were very much deserved. All 227 wins & 135 nominations were very much deserved. I hope you enjoy it.
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