5. Nomadland
Nomadland is written and directed by Chloé Zhao. It premiered at the Venise Film Festival in November 2020 and quickly became a critical darling. It’s the fan favorite to take home Best Picture at the Oscars this year, and will almost certainly do so.
The film follows Frances McDormand’s Fern, who leaves behind what she knows following a tragedy to live life on the road. What follows is a warm, comforting film as we see the places Fern goes and the people that drop in and out of her life.
Nomadland doesn’t have a “plot” per so, rather a collection of moments strung together with a few narrative threads woven throughout. It does meander a bit, particularly towards the end. But there are some wonderfully moving themes and uplifting messages.
Zhao manages to wring emotional resonance from a topic largely unfamiliar to most viewers. Similar to Sound of Metal, this film shines the spotlight on a community mostly left in the dark.
The cast, most of whom are comprised of non-actors, are fantastic. Their authenticity really sells the lifestyle and gives an excellent glimpse into this world.
The score works to great effect, as does the stunning cinematography. Nomadland feels strangely timely, teaching us about finding the beauty in the little things in a world where that’s increasingly more difficult.
