NOMADLAND | Official Trailer | Searchlight Pictures

Nomadland (2020) is a critically acclaimed American drama film written, produced, and directed by Chloé Zhao. Based on the 2017 non-fiction book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder, the film tells the story of a woman in her sixties who loses her job and home during the Great Recession and embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a modern-day nomad in her van.

Plot Summary:

The film centers on Fern, played by Frances McDormand, a woman who, after the closure of a factory in her small town in Nevada, finds herself without both her job and her home. In the aftermath of the economic downturn, Fern adopts a transient lifestyle, driving across the country in her van and taking seasonal, low-paying jobs in various places, such as at an Amazon warehouse. Along the way, she meets other people who have embraced this lifestyle, often due to financial hardship or a desire for freedom, and she learns the ways of survival and connection in an uncertain world.

As Fern navigates life on the road, she grapples with the loss of her previous life, her sense of community, and her relationships. While Fern is portrayed as a resilient, independent woman, the film also reflects the profound isolation and struggle that comes with living outside traditional societal norms. Throughout the film, Fern reflects on her own personal history, including the loss of her husband and the collapse of her small-town community.

The movie is as much about the internal journey of Fern—her search for meaning and connection—as it is about the external one. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship, offering a stark but poetic view of the challenges faced by people living on the margins of American society.

Themes:

1. Economic Injustice and Class Struggles: The film explores the economic challenges facing the working class in America, especially older adults who find themselves displaced by factory closures and unable to secure stable work or housing. It paints a portrait of a forgotten part of society—the working poor and the dispossessed.
2. The Nomadic Lifestyle: Through Fern’s experiences, the film reflects the growing trend of people who live in their vehicles, embracing the freedom and flexibility it offers, but also confronting the hardships that come with this lifestyle—loneliness, uncertainty, and constant movement. The film portrays this lifestyle not as glamorous, but as a practical response to economic necessity.
3. Loss and Resilience: Nomadland explores themes of grief and loss, particularly Fern’s emotional journey after the death of her husband and the disintegration of her community. The film shows how people cope with such losses, seeking solace in new communities and new experiences, and finding ways to keep moving forward despite the emotional toll.
4. Community and Connection: The film highlights the importance of human connection in the face of isolation. Even in a transient, nomadic existence, Fern builds relationships with other people she meets on the road—many of them in similar circumstances—and shares in the collective experience of living outside conventional society.
5. The Beauty and Hardship of Nature: The film also showcases the vastness and beauty of the American landscape. The natural world is both a source of solace and a harsh environment for the nomads, adding to the sense of struggle and freedom that defines their existence

Cinematic Style:

Nomadland is known for its minimalist and meditative storytelling. Zhao’s direction emphasizes quiet moments and naturalistic performances, with McDormand delivering a largely silent, understated portrayal of Fern. The cinematography by Joshua James Richards captures the sweeping beauty of the American West, with wide shots of vast landscapes contrasting with intimate, close-up moments that reveal Fern’s inner world.

The film also uses a documentary-style approach at times, incorporating real-life nomads (such as Bob Wells, a well-known figure in the van-life community) to give the film authenticity and grounded realism. This blending of fiction and documentary adds depth to the portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle, making the experiences of the characters feel raw and genuine.