Nomadland Review: Chloé Zhao Directs A Beautiful Ode To Aging And The American West
- naterichard98
- Feb 5, 2021
- 3 min read
DIRECTED BY: CHLOÉ ZHAO STARRING: FRANCES McDORMAND, DAVID STRATHAIRN, & SWANKIE
RATED R FOR SOME FULL NUDITY.
LENGTH: 108 MINUTES
Chloé Zhao has become quite the big deal in Hollywood, her breakout film The Rider, proved itself to be an arthouse darling and received countless nominations and wins in the indie film awards circles. She also caught the eye of Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige, who hired her to direct the big-budget Eternals, which features an all-star cast from the likes of Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani, that film was supposed to debut in theaters this past November, but because of the pandemic was pushed back an entire year. Though before Zhao had filmed the forthcoming star-studded Marvel blockbuster, she directed a much smaller film, Nomadland, a film starring two-time Academy Award winner Frances McDormand. Nomadland has proven itself to be THE major contender this awards season and many have it pegged as the frontrunner for Best Picture.
Nomadland follows Fern (McDormand), an aging widow, who after losing her job and her husband, sells her almost all of her belongings, buys a van, and finds herself traveling across the country, living like a nomad, alongside others with similar backgrounds. As she goes along, Fern finds her working a variety of small jobs; from an Amazon Fulfillment Center, to an RV park, and even at the road side attraction Wall Drug. Though it's the people Fern meets and the experiences she has throughout her journey that leads to new discoveries.
Nomadland is unlike anything I have ever seen before; it relishes in the beauty of simplicity and isn't concerned about an overarching story. Zhao lets the film play out organically, something that is achieved by having the film feature a cast of predominately real-life nomads. The stories that McDormand hears and the experiences she faces all feel authentic and most of all raw. McDormand gives a performance that's so unlike any of the ones she gave before; here she feels subdued but still makes a strong impression. The rest of the cast is strong as well, in particular David Strathairn, Swankie, and Bob Wells give three performances that really help bring the true beating heart of the film. Swankie and Wells in particular have two scenes that have stuck with me ever since I first watched the film and help make the film feel even more powerful.
Zhao's direction is incredible, in the hands of another director Nomadland may have come across as dull and uneventful, but here Zhao handles the film with grace and makes the film feel atmospheric and immersive. It truly feels like we as the audience are right alongside Fern as she embarks on her journey across the country. Zhao's screenplay is equally as strong, the script is equal parts insightful and eloquent but most of all it feels human. Nothing feels manufactured or artificial, this is filmmaking at it's finest. That being said, the film isn't for everyone, those expecting something more story-driven or eventful may walk out disappointed, but for those who are patient the film is ultimately a treat.
Nomadland is one of the finest films of 2020 and is truly worthy of all the praise it has received. This is certainly one to check out, especially as it continues to gain momentum this awards season.
4.5/5 Stars
Nomadland is now playing in select theaters across the country and will be available to stream on Hulu starting on February 19
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