Nomadland

Nomadland, the 2020 western drama AMC artisan film written, edited, and directed by Chloé Zhao was one of the more unique and obscure films released last year among other Academy Award nominated films. Not to mention, Nomadland was nominated for six awards including best picture, best director, and best actress, Frances McDormand and it is clear why from this thematic performance. The story follows Fern played by Frances McDormand as she leaves her home and sets off to travel in the American West. After recently losing her job and he husband, Fern gets a van, packs her things, and sets off for the road. Along the way, she has to sacrifice her personal belongings to stay afloat in the restrained conditions she put herself in. Through Ferns minor struggles, she becomes acquainted with people like herself living out of vans setting up camp on an abandoned campground. Here she meets actual real life nomads Linda May, Swankie, ad Bob Wells playing themselves in the film. Looking for work, Fern visits many different places with her van in hopes of finding a stable job. She succeeds along the way but Ferns make believe lifestyle slips into a downfall as she comes to realize what she ultimately wants to do with her life. Nomadland is an amazingly ambitious film and the realistic settings of Fern and her friends living space adds a different level of emotion to the tone of this film. The further step by Chloé Zhao to cast modern age nomads was a bold and overall rewarding chance. Id like to see more directors incorporate this into their work in this day and age.