How many in the ‘land of the free’ are really free? That’s the question that Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland explores, following a woman named Fern (Frances McDormand) who, after her husband dies and the plant she had been working at closes for good during the Great Recession, can no longer bear to live a life of routine. When we meet her, she’s living in a van and travelling across the country, unable and unwilling to get attached to anywhere or anyone—not homeless, just houseless, as she explains.
The most affecting aspect of the film, however, is not Fern, even though it should be, especially with one of the all-time greats in the leading role. Instead, it’s the other nomads she meets along the way that linger most, predominantly non-actors Linda May, Swankie, and Bob Wells who are playing themselves, who actually live the lives the film fictionalizes.
There are three that we meet throughout the film, two women and a man, and when they tell their true stories, McDomand really just bears witness. Each of those scenes affectedly me deeply, and moved me to tears. The trouble is that McDormand and her journey never did.
It’s in those moments, the ones that make you cry, that you realize that there was a better movie to be made here, a documentary following each of these three people and the many others like them.
There is a great story and rich characters to be found in Nomadland. It’s the fiction that gets in the way.
Read our full break down of this year’s Best Picture nominees here.
