Due to reduced demand for sheetrock, the company US Gypsum laid off more than 800 employees, imposing the central character Fern (played by Frances McDormand) to live a minimalistic and uncertain life in the film “Nomadland.”
Through breathtaking cinematography and a visionary look into the lives of America’s “Nomads,” director Chloé Zhao provides audiences with a new world to wholeheartedly experience.
From the first shot of “Nomadland,” an unfiltered aesthetic seems to visually flesh out the characters through the camera work and color tones behind each shot. The audience, at times, can see the pores of certain characters when up close, showing how raw and liberating the journey out west can be.
Within the beginning sequence of the film, we see Fern urinating in the open wilderness as she embarks towards her new life on the road. The film utilizes its R rating to depict what life in a van would look like — making for an authentic and personal representation that speaks with audiences on a personal level.
Zhao strategically uses the follow shot to give audiences a second-hand perspective of the uncharted lands Fern visits throughout the film. She couples this with gorgeous landscape scenery, making one of the most visually stunning films of the year.
The heart of the film lies within the characters that make up the long road out west. What truly makes the movie so realistic to its subject matter is the people portraying nomads across the nation. Instead of using actors, Zhao values real-life people with pertinent stories and experiences to aid Fern throughout her journey.
There is a particular scene in the film where members of the camp share accounts about why they decided to leave society and begin a life of uncertain travel. The scene is crucial in conveying the film’s message because each story is rooted in death and a profound rebirth through life and adventure.
This speaks closely with Fern because she recently lost her husband and began her journey out west mindlessly. Their testimonies help Fern grasp precisely why she has chosen this path and give audiences a new outlook on life and how people choose to live it.
Frances McDormand gives one of the most authentic and genuinely polarizing performances of the year. Her account’s nuance and subtlety truly connect us with her character and the people she meets throughout the film.
McDormand and Zhao are sure to do well during awards season as they have already received much acclaim throughout the festival circuit.
Zhao can fully illustrate her vision through her cinematography alone, connected with a narrative that chooses happiness over the dubious structures of society. “Nomadland” will leave an impression on our outlook toward the beauty of life and all of its troubles.
