Nomadland

Typically independent films are incredibly well acted, directed and written, however some are not, but these are the extreme minority. Fortunately, "Nomadland" is one in which it is delineated with such feeling, yet amazing reality that it could be looked at in an under-rated way. The subtlety stabs its viewers in the heart as this takes us on these nomads' journey.

Following the economic collapse of a company town, Empire in rural Nevada in 2011, Fern (Frances McDormand) packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. This film features real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Fern's mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West. As she covers other states such as Nebraska and South Dakota, she meets and befriends Dave (David Strathairn), another nomad and others as well.

Others to round out the cast are Ryan Aquino as Ryan, Annette Webb as Annette, Derek Endres as Derek, Tay Strathairn as James, Dave's son, Emily Jade Foley as Emily, James' mother, Peter Spears as Peter and Patricia Grier as Patty. 

This was brilliantly written and directed by Chloe Zhao ("Songs My Brothers Taught Me" '15, "The Rider" '17), based on the book by Jessica Bruder. This filmmaker was amazing in that so many people in this film were simply playing themselves as nomads, and her ability to stage, pace and get these people to extract the right emotions in the confines of this movie with such poignancy and pathos was shear genius. The writing moved with such fluidity that I was amazed. The script, although had some funny moments, was written in a somewhat sad approach--it was a good sad, but after a while, the audience got why it came across as sad. This was brilliant writing. After viewing this and you are captivated by it, as I was, her "Eternals", which she also wrote and directed is in post production for a 2021 release. The breathtaking cinematography was by Joshua James Richards ("Songs My Brothers Taught Me" '15, "God's Own Country" '17, "The Rider" '17). The vastness of America in the photography shined and gave an impressive look on the large screen. He was nominated, however didn't win, but the film did win for best picture, direction, actress and editing. 

It is no surprise that this film was honored with so many Oscars as it received, and Zhao is now a filmmaker to contend with. This was also presented in an IMAX format which would even more exemplify the vastness of our country's beauty. This is an incredibly artistic film that one will see practically from the first frame. Enjoy--I know I did.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                          Rated: R                                              107mins.