“Nomadland” is a marvel. A master class by rapidly ascending writer-director Chloé Zhao and ever-stalwart star Frances McDormand, the drama tells the story of Fern (McDormand), a woman from a Nevada mining town destroyed by the Great Recession. The 60-something begins living as a modern-day nomad, traveling across the U.S. in her camping van.
Zhao cast a number of nonprofessional actors in her first two features, “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” and “The Rider,” and has done the same with “Nomadland,” a decision that adds to the film’s impressive sense of realism. Tagging along with Fern as she finds work on the road — at jobs as varied as an Amazon Fulfillment Center, a beet sugar harvesting plant, and tourist attractions — we meet other folks living on the margins who get to tell their own stories.
“Nomadland” never feels like poverty porn that pities its subjects or reduces them to hackneyed clichés. It simply documents, luxuriating in its unhurried, even slow, pace that allows us to take our time with its characters and gorgeous cinematography. Zhao and McDormand shot “Nomadland” over the span of four months in seven states, spending nights in roadside motels, and it shows. This kind of authenticity takes time, and is earned.
McDormand is, as always, stunning, fitting right in with the nonprofessional actors (in the best way possible). Fern feels like a real person that we’re watching a vérité documentary about. It’s rare to see a film led by an actor — and especially a woman — over the age of 60. “Nomadland” proves just what a shame that is. Fern’s story, and McDormand’s portrayal, is captivating.
Up next for Zhao is “The Eternals,” a big budget, high profile Marvel pic with an all-star cast that includes Angelina Jolie. I can’t wait to see her take on a superhero movie.
“Nomadland” is now screening in virtual theaters. The drama already took home top honors at Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, and seems poised to be recognized at the 2021 Oscars — including a Best Director nomination for Zhao and a Leading Actress nod for McDormand.
