Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: December 4, 2020
7.3
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Generally favorable reviews based on 342 Ratings
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251
Mixed:
59
Negative:
32
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8
HerickDienerJan 6, 2021
Será difícil alguém terminar as 1h 48m desse filme sem ter uma opinião ao seu respeito, seja ela positiva ou negativa. Acredito que "Nomadland" não seja para todos. Tem um aspecto documental e é bastante íntimo. Ele requer uma imersão naSerá difícil alguém terminar as 1h 48m desse filme sem ter uma opinião ao seu respeito, seja ela positiva ou negativa. Acredito que "Nomadland" não seja para todos. Tem um aspecto documental e é bastante íntimo. Ele requer uma imersão na narrativa, o que os ótimos trabalhos de Frances na atuação, Chloe na direção e Joshua na fotografia abrem caminho. Se alguém me perguntar sobre o que se trata esse filme, falarei que é sobre uma mulher que experimentou a imensidão e não quis mais sair dela. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
dfelixfJan 6, 2021
Me gustó la película. Fue como ver un documental con gente real, visualmente es agradable, y la música es muy buena.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
AJ_13Jan 13, 2021
It's almost a documentary, with such an stunning photography, direction and music. Frances McDormand should win her 3 Academy Award.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
JLuis_001Dec 30, 2020
I loved this film. Frances McDormand is the soul of this story, and without a doubt she's going for her third Oscar.

There are many elements that I enjoyed about Nomadland, because it's indisputably an excellent character study, but there's
I loved this film. Frances McDormand is the soul of this story, and without a doubt she's going for her third Oscar.

There are many elements that I enjoyed about Nomadland, because it's indisputably an excellent character study, but there's also a big but, and that was decisive for me to take away points from it, and that was the lack of certain authenticity, mixed with an idealism that tries to make you believe that the life this characters have is kind of a dream life. Certainly the film mentions the reasons for its lead character, but never provides a conflict that feels more proactive.
Life is not easy, that's true, and perhaps it's not a brutal journey of hardships either, but it seems that everyone is happy and smiling at all times.

The material was of course excellent for a documentary, and the director; Chloé Zhao takes a similar visual approach to these, but perhaps spends more time exploring an overly meditative side, rather than criticizing the social and economic conditions that drive or force people to go out and live on the road like McDormand's character.

Nomadland is an enriching journey, and as I said, it has its share of issues that I couldn't put aside, but they didn't hinder my enjoyment of its story. It has deservedly earned all the attention it has received, and it will definitely deserve any nominations it gets in the upcoming awards season.
So if you're interested in a rewarding film, here's a great candidate.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
cheetahsiriApr 28, 2021
Nomadland is The greatest movie in 2020. It deserved for The Oscars. The cinematography showed a powerful of the nature. Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand brilliantly conveyed the spirit of the Nomad.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
Iceman21Feb 24, 2021
An atmospheric indie film to which Chloé Zhao has lent a great deal of down-to-earthness, humanity and poetics with her sensitivity in the director's chair and which is considered a hot contender for this year's Oscar race. Nomadland is aAn atmospheric indie film to which Chloé Zhao has lent a great deal of down-to-earthness, humanity and poetics with her sensitivity in the director's chair and which is considered a hot contender for this year's Oscar race. Nomadland is a character study of the suddenly "houseless" Fern, who tries to adapt to her new life as a nomad as best she can after the death of her husband. On the almost documentary-like followed journey in her van, Fern meets people with different personalities who help her in her new world. The centre of the film throughout the entire running time is clearly protagonist Fern, played by two-time Oscar winner Frances McDormand. She undergoes all kinds of setbacks and always carries around an inner conflict. She could do better, but wants to take the challenge on herself with all her might. McDormand embodies the basic mood of the film and tells the story of many: she is a victim of the glaring class differences and capitalist overweight in the USA. In the process, she works her fingers to the bone, is constantly on the lookout for new jobs and means well for people. She illustrates what the new situation triggers in her character and how she keeps her head above water. Fern goes hand in hand with the mood of the film: she is unobtrusive, subtle and has a lot of depth. This role is arguably the most important in McDormand's glorious career so far because she represents a group of people who are not seen. The actress lived in a van on a campsite for a few months before the start of filming herself and got acquainted with this kind of life. David Strathairn, as Fern's good friend Dave, is also very important to the protagonist's journey. He makes her conflicted by his obvious intentions and lets us experience the interpersonal component first hand. This comes across in almost every scene in the film, despite the clear main character. The other characters are real-life people, which brings an enormous amount of closeness and authenticity to the film.

McDormand carries the plot of the film brilliantly on her shoulders, but the real heroine of Nomadland is its director. You can tell from start to finish that Chloé Zhao cares deeply about this subject matter. She has turned a low-budget independent film into a technical masterpiece against which every action film with elaborate special effects falls short. The cinematography captures lengthy and beautiful shots of the landscape, making the film's actually dreary setting seem colourful and idyllic. The music by Ludovico Einaudi is softly and empathetically composed, making Fern's rides in the van meaningful. Zhao has put together a film that takes its time, but where all the cinematic elements become one big whole. As a result, Nomadland does not create seas of tears despite the sadness of its subject, but a cinematic masterpiece whose basic idea is always present and sticks with one.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
GreatUmbasa1Apr 27, 2021
A powerful character study from start to finish, Zhao plays with themes and backgrounds so masterfully that are mesmerizing.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Jamminman82Feb 23, 2021
This is not so much a story, but a look at a life style. I've follwed the nomad community for some time - I was looking at taking a job in LA, and I wasn't going to move there, so I seriously looked at van living with regular trips home. IThis is not so much a story, but a look at a life style. I've follwed the nomad community for some time - I was looking at taking a job in LA, and I wasn't going to move there, so I seriously looked at van living with regular trips home. I say that because I was surprised to see some of the actual people from the community in the movie. I've followed Bob Wells for years. It made the movie almost a documentary. Having Bob gave it some credibility. The movie gives us a little look at the van life community and may personalize it for some.
Frances McDormand did a great job giving the chracter somoe life without needing a lot of fill in. We can feel the desire for independance along with the resulting meloncholy and loneliness.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
goooli77Mar 7, 2021
Well I guess it's better to watch it on a weekday like after a hard busy day, it's like food for the soul. Not so complicated just beauty. I think those who lost a beloved one can relate to it much better and stronger.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
bertobellamyJan 26, 2021
A very poetic take on the crumble of the American dream. Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand blur the lines between fiction and documentary to bring to the forefront the tales of workers-turned-nomads who have liberated themselves from theA very poetic take on the crumble of the American dream. Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand blur the lines between fiction and documentary to bring to the forefront the tales of workers-turned-nomads who have liberated themselves from the tyranny and indifference of an oppressive system. A great meditative film that resonates with every person searching for a real home. Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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7
migdalorguyFeb 20, 2021
This was a difficult move to rate. As a film, it is absolutely brilliant in every aspect. McDormand gives a tour de force performance. The cinematography and musical score are both as close to perfection as they could be. The story isThis was a difficult move to rate. As a film, it is absolutely brilliant in every aspect. McDormand gives a tour de force performance. The cinematography and musical score are both as close to perfection as they could be. The story is beautiful and touching. But therein lies the problem. The story, a clear indictment of everything that is wrong in the US and the inequalities resulting from unbridled capitalism and plutocratic rule, is just too much on the nice side of prettied up by Hollywood for the suburban and urban elite. While there are many aspects of the nomad life that ring true, and clearly show some effort to be honest, it glosses over way to much of the everyday nitty gritty and the harsh realities. As if work at an Amazon facility were so pleasant. As if working on a sugar beet harvest involved just those few moments shown rather than weeks of constant body-draining effort. As if Fern would really betray her values and take the money from her sister. Sadly, the film serves most to soothe the guilt of the self-proclaimed woke. Yes, the film deserves awards all around - acting, directing, cinematography, score. (Screen adaptation not so much. The book is much more realistic.) I let this film tug at me heartstrings and my love of movies. Then, after letting it sit for a while, I saw it for social failure it is. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
moviemitch96Jan 30, 2021
This quiet and soulful drama stars Frances McDormand as a middle-aged widow who loses everything: her home, her town, and her job due to the great recession and packs up all of her belongings and travels cross-country living in her van andThis quiet and soulful drama stars Frances McDormand as a middle-aged widow who loses everything: her home, her town, and her job due to the great recession and packs up all of her belongings and travels cross-country living in her van and meeting several others just like her. The people who travel and live in vans and RVs and don't live in a house are what's called nomads. Long before seeing this film, I knew it was going to be special, and that it'd likely be among my favorite films of 2020, and sure enough, it absolutely is! I was in tears by the end of this one, and it made me reflect on my own life and the state of the world all while watching it. Everything about the film can be likened to a beautiful poem. From its touching and impactful dialogue to the gorgeous cinematography to the intimate performances from all involved, even the real-life nomads who appear in this. Of course, this is McDormand's film to own, who gives the most heartfelt and personal-feeling performance of her long and already-impressive career. Director Chloe Zhao brings out the best in her and furthermore also has crafted a thought-provoking and all too timely-feeling story of being in search of and hopefully finding oneself in such a large and open yet lost and uncertain world. The fact that this film has been released in the time of Corona makes these themes resonate even more poignantly right now, what with people losing their jobs and not having a house to live in. This film really does hit differently in times like these, and it's hard to imagine it being released in any different time or moment than now. Overall, this film for the most part pretty much met my expectations, and paints such a beautiful yet aching portrait of loss and adventure, and I can say with upmost certainty that this is probably my favorite film of 2020. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
mattiazisaDec 29, 2020
Masterpiece. Chloe Zamora made a movie that si so silent and yet so powerful. Incredibile.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
ChrisPaniaguaJan 18, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The reality of many, that many ignore. The protagonist does not seem to enjoy the trip, but the viewer does. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
snorkissJan 8, 2021
Frances McDormand gives her all in this timely film about growing old and finding a new path in life, sometimes the road gets a little aimless but ultimately it's a trip worth taking -8 stars
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
upwardDec 14, 2020
This is a truly, truly special movie. It captures the beauty of humanity with grace, profundity, and empathy while also painting a nuanced portrait of the social ills of our society. What I love about this film is that, in addition to neverThis is a truly, truly special movie. It captures the beauty of humanity with grace, profundity, and empathy while also painting a nuanced portrait of the social ills of our society. What I love about this film is that, in addition to never patronizing its subjects nor its audience, it's not a movie that exists to just tell you "what's wrong with America." This so easily could have been an angry movie about how we've mistreated these people on the margins of our society, but Chloe Zhao recognized that what these people want is not our sympathy. Instead, she dug deeper and told a compassionate, emotional, beautiful story about the way the human spirit triumphs, grows, and heals even in the face of marginalization and inequity without giving the "easy" answers to the social problems it recognizes. Easily among the best of the year. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
johnadams69Feb 18, 2021
With flawless aesthetics and editing, Chloé Zhao has managed to make one of the most intimate movies to date.
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
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7
Brent_MarchantFeb 20, 2021
This inside look at a little-known community and culture is engaging for about the first two-thirds, but, in the end run, it begins to grow tiresome, leaving viewers wondering when and how it will ever end. Director Chloe Zhao's third featureThis inside look at a little-known community and culture is engaging for about the first two-thirds, but, in the end run, it begins to grow tiresome, leaving viewers wondering when and how it will ever end. Director Chloe Zhao's third feature offering is a notable improvement over her first two outings, but she still needs to refine her craft further to produce the kind of masterpiece she's likely capable of. "Nomadland" is a big step in that direction, serving up a heartfelt tale about the American nomadic community and its unconventional followers' love of the freedom it affords, set against the beauty of the country's landscape, depicted here through stunningly gorgeous cinematography. However, the inherent meandering of the protagonist ultimately gets taken a little too far in the film's narrative and could have been trimmed without losing anything. The much-heralded performance of Frances McDormand is adequate but far from the kind of stellar work she's capable of, probably due to the understated nature of her character, a casting decision that maybe should have been reevaluated before filming began. While I can honestly say I liked this film, I can also honestly say that I didn't love it, either. Maybe the fourth time will be the charm for Ms. Zhao. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
LatinCritic13Dec 18, 2020
Nomadland is truly a swan song when Frances McDormand gives her very best in this masterfully directed flick by Chloe Zhao. The raw emotion in this film that captures the struggles of homelessness of being a nomad will make you realizeNomadland is truly a swan song when Frances McDormand gives her very best in this masterfully directed flick by Chloe Zhao. The raw emotion in this film that captures the struggles of homelessness of being a nomad will make you realize something can be possible thanks to the portrayal of this film. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
erolsabadoshFeb 21, 2021
Wow. I hadn't heard of this but I saw it on Hulu and saw Frances Mcdormand is in it and because I really like her I immediately pressed play without even reading the description and I was blown away. I really didn't expect to be so moved butWow. I hadn't heard of this but I saw it on Hulu and saw Frances Mcdormand is in it and because I really like her I immediately pressed play without even reading the description and I was blown away. I really didn't expect to be so moved but I cried at least twice during the runtime. An intimate and poetic film that focuses on human emotion within a critique of American capitalism and modern isolation, if you're not put off by it being slow moving and fairly quiet you will most likely find something transcendent here. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
LisaLR1Feb 20, 2021
Frances McDormand is Endearing as a Wandering Nomad Displaced by the American Recession: "Nomadland," directed by Chloé Zhao ("The Rider"), written by Zhao, based on the book by Jessica Bruder, follows the story of Fern, played by the onceFrances McDormand is Endearing as a Wandering Nomad Displaced by the American Recession: "Nomadland," directed by Chloé Zhao ("The Rider"), written by Zhao, based on the book by Jessica Bruder, follows the story of Fern, played by the once again brilliant, 2-time Oscar-winner, Frances McDormand, a woman forced to become a Nomad after the losses of her job in 2011 at a shut down factory in Nevada, her home, death of her husband and the town she lived in wiped off the map, all painful misfortunes, the results of the American Recession. Fern buys a van, which she customizes as her new home, and wanders the West in a constant search for work, including taking a seasonal job with other Nomads boxing packages at a large Amazon distribution center. The beauty in Chloé Zhao's direction is her ability to play on realism by mixing actors in the film with non-actors who manage to give equally gritty performances. Joshua James Richards, Zhao's Cinematographer, is truly an artist, capturing the breathtaking landscape of the American West, using his camera to paint an alluring palette of the stark Arizona desert, ominous mountains, long, winding, cold and lonely roads, powerful Pacific coastline, the Redwood Forest and glorious sunrises and sunsets. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
KurschFeb 22, 2021
Nomandland has moments of sublime beauty and poignant sorrow; it is a character study with a careful understated performance by McDormand, but the film isn't really about her. McDormand's character is as much a vehicle as her van "Vanguard",Nomandland has moments of sublime beauty and poignant sorrow; it is a character study with a careful understated performance by McDormand, but the film isn't really about her. McDormand's character is as much a vehicle as her van "Vanguard", she is a focal point for the indifferent cruelty of capitalism. The film is slow, it has no direct antagonist, so little dramatic tension. It is emotionally manipulative, but the moments where it strikes are heart wrenching, but veers away from any sort of scathing critique about the failure of the American dream. It's worth seeing, but if this is among the best films of 2020, it was a sad and slow year for film. Expand
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7
davemelbourne58Feb 22, 2021
Frances McDormand deserves all the praise she's been getting for this role. The no-mad life was a real eye-opener for me. I don't need to ever see it again, but it's a movie that will stick with you.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
istanbulJan 12, 2021
american honey. into the wild. La Loi du marché. - a kind combination of all those great movies of the last decade. McDormand is a star, yet the semi-pro cast supporting her is the real driver of the movie.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
perliMar 6, 2021
It's an austere, demanding, for some maybe at some moments painful to watch movie, because it shows us such out of the ordinary, unexpected, genre-wise uncharted experience. It's also iconic for our times of rich societies with hugeIt's an austere, demanding, for some maybe at some moments painful to watch movie, because it shows us such out of the ordinary, unexpected, genre-wise uncharted experience. It's also iconic for our times of rich societies with huge inequalities, with working poor, and contemporary ghost towns. But somehow it all turns out all right, not in a Hollywood sense, but in existential terms of human fate. Thoughtful, well scripted and beautifully photographed film, a masterpiece! Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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10
katezoeMar 13, 2021
MASTERPIECE! Will win Oscar for Best Film and Director. A world unveiled with love and compassion.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
henryzandtDec 31, 2020
Sometimes we lose the people we hold in our hearts. Without them we are nomads and endlessly look for what we have lost. In all its simplicity this is a fantastic film about the quest to give a lost love a place in our lives. It is not a sadSometimes we lose the people we hold in our hearts. Without them we are nomads and endlessly look for what we have lost. In all its simplicity this is a fantastic film about the quest to give a lost love a place in our lives. It is not a sad film, it is even hopeful. Frances McDormand is (as always) fantastic. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
PanchogulApr 26, 2021
Es una belleza en todo sentido, la dirección es sublime, las actuaciones y puesta en escena junto con la banda sonora son entrañables y te llegan al alma, muy merecidos todos los premios que ha ganado.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
JGNYCApr 25, 2021
Somewhere there's almost certainly some great documentary filmmaker who is trying to get the resources or studio support to tell the real story of the real people used in this movie. I would much rather have seen that documentary.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
JafsBrazilApr 29, 2021
absolutely incredible, sentimental and inspiring; I really hope for more films like this, Brazil thanks you.
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9
ChrisBellsanApr 15, 2021
Stunning and moving. The non-actors are as good or better than the professionals.
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8
gracjanskiJan 9, 2022
Slow and quiet movie about a life style most people dont know, so I find this movie interesting. Also you can feel the freedom in the pictures and why they love it.
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7
joelgreenbergApr 10, 2021
Nomadland is an unsparing look at an abandoned segment of american society, most powerfully represented by the reality of a town that literally disappeared because its main industry shut down. With the closure, the townspeople were scatteredNomadland is an unsparing look at an abandoned segment of american society, most powerfully represented by the reality of a town that literally disappeared because its main industry shut down. With the closure, the townspeople were scattered to the winds of fate and their own capacity to deal or not.
At the same time, it speaks of Despair, capital D, of the soul of a nation. The first glimpse of an Amazon warehouse in operation was perhaps the film's most harrowing and dehumanizing moments.
So, that's the good part. Less good is the relentlessness of an empty landscape and profiles of the common folk who live as nomads, moving from place to place. The sense of time is removed from their lives and so, too, is the reality of a life surrendered.
Most of the characters portrayed are not actors. Rather, they are the common folk themselves. Apart from Frances McDormand and David Stathairn, everyone else presents as if this is a documentary which, to be fair, it is. And as a determined plot-scant telling, the documentary seems to me a fair descriptor.
All this said, I felt that the film's many panning shots of empty landscapes and broad, unfocussed horizons wore thin. Perhaps as much as the dust stirred by the vans and RVs, I understood the filmmaker's point but I longed for anything that could interrupt the monotony and illuminate the inner lives of even one of the nomadic travellers.
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9
Iamcritical86Aug 24, 2021
Wonderful script and directing. This was one of those films that looked completely unrehearsed and organic - it looked like everything was happening for the first time. Excellent performance by Frances McDormand. Nomadland had a way ofWonderful script and directing. This was one of those films that looked completely unrehearsed and organic - it looked like everything was happening for the first time. Excellent performance by Frances McDormand. Nomadland had a way of sucking the viewer into this "living on the road lifestyle" and how lonely yet refreshing it can be. Very well done. Expand
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8
KenRJun 20, 2021
Nomadland – Simply Near Perfect
It’s commendable that a Chinese national, Zhao Ting can almost perfectly create such a poignant testament to the trailer nomads of the USA. The way she paces and edits her own work is a joy to the eye – there’s
Nomadland – Simply Near Perfect
It’s commendable that a Chinese national, Zhao Ting can almost perfectly create such a poignant testament to the trailer nomads of the USA. The way she paces and edits her own work is a joy to the eye – there’s poetry in each sequence of her film. This is also attributable to the outstanding work of her director of photography; Joshua James Richard - his stylish use of a camera with strong, steady images, is nothing less than superb. Zhao also balances her use of music to its most evocative form, and features inspired use of the ambiance compositions by Italian Ludovico Einaudi, from his ‘7 Days Walking’ sessions. Her images, with his music blend in perfect harmony, creating many high points throughout this engaging picture. In this case, it’s good to see Frances McDormand away from her now predictable, overly dark Cohen Bros works and some other over-ripe roles we’ve seen. She’s perfect as the somewhat lost soul, living with her memories and finding it difficult to allow herself to become too close, even when some offer her the comfort of a bonding relationship. McDormand’s nude scene added nothing to the story (they rarely do) but was at least tastefully done, but that said...how many places will there be in this dry desert landscape, where you can find an Oasis that no one else seems to know about, and you can swim naked, without fear of leeches, snakes, and ‘human’ predators? Might this seemingly romanticized scene possibly have been shot in some hotel or a closed studio set, and likely added as an adult rating grab? Slipping co-star David Strathairn in amongst other roadies works quite nicely, and he’s a welcome addition to this work. I realize it takes all kinds to make a world, still, when this obviously lonely woman gives up the offer of a loving home life, to go back to all the desperately looming problems yet to be experienced on the road – might be a rather long bow to draw (?) Taken overall, Nomadland is one of the few recent movies to earn its nominations and awards (despite the absence of over-the-top action and effects) simply for its heart and soul. It sort of seems a pity Zhao has been wooed by the big-time, with a blockbuster Marvel Comic slated to be her next - It’s to be hoped we may see more of her doco-like humane work. Also, how foolish is China to censor one of its higher achieving citizens - because she’s been critical of some aspects of China’s policies – their loss, our gain.
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7
SandyCameronJun 1, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was the first film I had seen in the cinema since January 2020 (which was Sam Mendes' "1917"), and I'm in no doubt that my view of Nomadland was coloured to some extent by having to sanitise my hands, have my temperature taken and sit wearing a mask for two hours. It's one thing to have become accustomed to these new rituals of daily life to go to the supermarket. It's quite another to have them encroach on the anticipation, expectation and enjoyment of sitting in the dark and getting lost in massive images on the silver screen.

Having said that, the film was absorbing enough, but rather too plain. The cinematography gave us a flat, featureless canvas (not a great advert for the beauty of the US landscape - though maybe that was the point) but put Fern's (Frances McDormand)expressive face front and centre, a constant pensive presence, casting doubt not only on her own situation but on the lifestyle 'choice' of her fellow nomads. There was insufficient attention to detail for it to be a riveting documentary; insufficient drama for it to be a rounded fiction. I wanted Fern to engage, react, resist, embrace the mini-dramas she encountered (not least the offer to stay with Dave and Bob's revelation of his backstory) but polite murmurings and an absence of emotional response was all we got - sometimes, not even that, just her moving on.

Of course, not all movies must be 'uplifting' (a word which often appears in reviews trying to convince you that a film is not as depressing as you might think) and this one certainly isn't, but it's difficult to accept the degree of universal acclaim heaped on such a tough and pessimistic story. I prefer my cinema greats to give me a sliver of hope about life and, to be fair, an affirmation not an undermining of my own circumstances and values. Selfish? Perhaps, but I don't go to the pictures to commit acts of selflessness.
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9
ahmedaiman1999Mar 17, 2021
I found Chloé Zhao's sophomore effort, The Rider, a truly poignant authentic and honest portrait of its hero and I was amazed by how its cinematography draws us very close to him in the personal moments not only with its effective close-upsI found Chloé Zhao's sophomore effort, The Rider, a truly poignant authentic and honest portrait of its hero and I was amazed by how its cinematography draws us very close to him in the personal moments not only with its effective close-ups but also by reflecting our main character's feel of emptiness and loss in the gloomy atmosphere that prevails the entire film. However, I honestly struggled to finally get to its brilliant tear-jerking ending, simply because of its deliberate pace that never picks up even when the story demands that. Here, things are evidently different. No doubt Nomadland is a very slow-paced movie, but it has a perfect tone and the movie, consequently, rarely, if ever, drags.

A further testament of Chloé Zhao's remarkable artistic maturity, and what I genuinely loved about Nomadland, is the staggering balance it strikes between between everything it tackles from its major themes and main concepts to its minor underling details. Most notably between offering a social commentary that's relevant in the present economic environment and weavering an intricate realistic portrait of the downtrodden, underdogs, forgotten and lost individuals with an almost complete disregard to focusing on a specific social strata.

By embracing realism and detaching it from all its oft-affiliated cinematic clichés, Zhao has also managed to walk a tightrope between depicting the "Nomads" life as a salvation for our Fern and her likes and the representing this new lifestyle as a total failure that resulted from a desperate search for belongness. It's true that we see Fern striving to adapt to this new life style with all its rigors and hardships while overcoming her grief in the process, but it's evident that she "belongs" to nature because that's only where she can get the feel of freedom. We see that her conversations with other broken-hearted people alleviate their pain in the sense of "life goes on, anyway", but we barely see them offering a consoling arm around each others' shoulders.

Nomadland is poetic achievement that blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction by representing a marginalized people whom we very much recognise but also by making its titular land a realistic fictional haven for people who find their identity by letting their souls roam in the spacious wilderness, all that while serving as a tribute to the travel lovers by merely capturing the ethos of wanderlust.

(9/10)
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9
DawdlingPoetNov 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this film, which features themes including identity, isolation, belonging and grief. It features a great performance from Frances McDormand and impressive cinematography, including sunset skylines. It reminded me of one ofI really enjoyed this film, which features themes including identity, isolation, belonging and grief. It features a great performance from Frances McDormand and impressive cinematography, including sunset skylines. It reminded me of one of the directors other films, The Rider. Its quite thoughtful but not in a preachy way and it's also poignant, with some good, quotable dialogue.

I like that at times there's relatively little said - you could imagine what Fern (McDormand's character) is thinking, as she has very 'knowing' eyes. I also enjoyed the musical score.

I like that the central performance/main character is a pretty strong and somewhat independent woman. It's perhaps a little sad in tone and some may feel its a little direcitonless but it really appealed to me, so if it sounds of interest to you, then I'd highly recommend it, yes. It shines a light on people we may never have thought about or otherwise considered - those on the outskirts of society. I also like that the tone the film ends on - I won't elaborate anymore, so as not to provide any spoilers but as I say, I would definitely recommend this film, yes.
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9
r96skApr 30, 2021
Quality.

No surprise to see the hype around 'Nomadland', it's extremely well made and holds a lot of heart. Frances McDormand is the star, her performance is truly outstanding. A few of the other cast members, most of whom are real life
Quality.

No surprise to see the hype around 'Nomadland', it's extremely well made and holds a lot of heart. Frances McDormand is the star, her performance is truly outstanding. A few of the other cast members, most of whom are real life nomads, merit props too - namely Charlene Swankie, who has one great scene. The cinematography and music, meanwhile, is stunning.

Not much more to note. It's simply a terrific film, one that feels incredibly real.
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8
FilmGuyDudeMay 10, 2021
The idea is fascinating, and the talent of Chloe has peaked without a doubt. The narrative side could've been executed more beautifully, but the calm and flawless feel of it all is what makes it Oscar worthy.
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10
strangebrew123May 21, 2021
Truly one of the best films I've seen. Excellent! Fantastic acting by the lead. Go see it at the cinema!
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7
SedakoffMar 22, 2021
Ожидания от фильма были большими, а по факту на один раз, 7/10 это максимум
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9
sonhadorJun 6, 2021
The movie is so interesting! The realism and the movie magic is so brilliant! The actors are so talented and the cinematography is incredible and so unique! Sometimes it makes you laugh and sometimes it makes you cry. It’s absolutely worthThe movie is so interesting! The realism and the movie magic is so brilliant! The actors are so talented and the cinematography is incredible and so unique! Sometimes it makes you laugh and sometimes it makes you cry. It’s absolutely worth watching! Expand
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8
malvadaMay 8, 2021
Slow and fast-paced at the same time. It gives you a good insight into what nomads go through and what made them hit the road. How they come from very different backgrounds. Beautiful natural acting with very good simple cinematography.
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9
ChanekeCholoDec 13, 2021
The big one of this year. It's almost like a documental, but I think go far away than any movie or documental.
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7
AgentLviJul 5, 2023
Decent movie. The story is so --so, scoring is great, visual is decent, and the voice is also great
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7
CarlElmoreNov 24, 2022
Not Best Picture worthy in my opinion but it's still good. I like slice of life stories like this.
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7
ALAMLEDPFeb 8, 2023
Cloe Zhao's 'Nomadland' is a hauntingly beautiful portrait of an individual who has persevered through personal and societal challenges to pave her own path forward. Frances McDormand fully immerses herself into her onscreen character, Fern,Cloe Zhao's 'Nomadland' is a hauntingly beautiful portrait of an individual who has persevered through personal and societal challenges to pave her own path forward. Frances McDormand fully immerses herself into her onscreen character, Fern, a woman who must survive on seasonal work due to her choice to live on the open roads of the American West following the loss of her job and the death of her husband. Zhao proves that meaningful stories can be told with the simplest productions, with poetic dialogue, soliloquies, vast landscape shots and strategic use of sound. At this time when many are struggling, 'Nomadland' is an important story that recognizes one's own worth and discovers the motivation to keep driving in spite of the obstacles.
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'Nomadland' de Cloe Zhao es un retrato inquietantemente hermoso de una persona que ha perseverado a través de los desafíos personales y sociales para allanar su propio camino. Frances McDormand se sumerge por completo en su personaje en pantalla, Fern, una mujer que debe sobrevivir con un trabajo estacional debido a su elección de vivir en las carreteras abiertas del oeste americano tras la pérdida de su trabajo y la muerte de su marido. Zhao demuestra que se pueden contar historias significativas con las producciones más simples, con diálogos poéticos, soliloquios, tomas de vastos paisajes y uso estratégico del sonido. En este momento en el que muchos luchan, 'Nomadland' es una historia importante que reconoce el propio valor y descubre la motivación para seguir conduciendo a pesar de los obstáculos.
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7
rmurray847Aug 10, 2023
Frances McDormand is pretty much always fantastic and fierce and convincing and all-around amazing. If she's featured or starring in a film, that's a "must see" for me, because she's also pretty choosy about her projects. And all the buzzFrances McDormand is pretty much always fantastic and fierce and convincing and all-around amazing. If she's featured or starring in a film, that's a "must see" for me, because she's also pretty choosy about her projects. And all the buzz around NOMADLAND really had me very excited to see it. I didn't know too much about it, but I did know that it would feature McDormand as a "nomad", essentially a person not living in a house but moving around the country, following low-paying jobs wherever they can be found (mostly seasonal work) and living out of an RV, van or car. A study of life on the fringes of American life. Not exactly "homeless" but "house-less." A loose-knit society, all struggling to make it, and all helping each other where they can.

And in many ways, that is the movie we get. Writer/director Chloe Zhao has taken a nearly documentarian's approach to the film. It is indeed scripted, and aside from McDormand, also features the always enjoyable David Strathairn. But most of the rest of the cast are actual nomads playing, essentially, versions of themselves. It all feels very much filmed on location at these encampments, including the very famous gatherings in Quartzite, AZ. McDormand's widow Fern, forced to leave the town that essentially evaporated with the closing of the gypsum factory that was its only reason to exist, learns about this nomadic existence pretty much as the viewer does. We see the hardships of a cramped van (she can't even stretch out to full length in her bed), the hard-scrabble existence, the campfires and camaraderie, and underlying it all is the gift of a closeness to the beauty of our land and also the "curse" of knowing just how close to the edge of existence this life is. It is clearly a mixed blessing in every sense of the phrase.

My favorite part of the film may have been simply enjoying the lingering shots of some amazing American vistas, whether the sparseness of Nevada away from the cities, the beauty of the South Dakota Badlands or the roiling character of the California coast away from the beaches and tourists. All this land we have set aside for the enjoyment of our citizens is also the only true way these nomads are able to live the life they do. The beauty offers the comforts of this life.

The film itself has virtually no plot. Although there are little emotional payoffs throughout, it is a film of brief stories and images. Various folks Fern meets share small moments of their lives (an elderly lady, dying of cancer, tells Fern of the time she came upon a cliff full of thousands of swallows and how lucky she is to have seen something like that. Moments like that are when the film really gets you. It's sneaky like that). We learn a little bit about Fern throughout the film, but McDormand never makes it easy for us to get close to Fern. She holds others at arms length, and although she is a very kind person, she certainly has built an armor for herself. Towards the end of the film a few things happen that sort of resemble a plot, but in many ways, we pretty much know how things will resolve during these moments. The film's plot has few surprises; yet the people we meet and the conversations we listen in on constantly surprise.

Frankly, it's a movie that helps us see a group of people we might normally not give much notice to. They ARE on the fringes, but they are not out of touch. They care for each other in ways that could teach much of the rest of society a lesson. In many ways, the film is about small kindnesses. How sharing a cigarette lighter can be a huge act of kindness that will be remembered months later.

There are many things to enjoy and feel in NOMADLAND. But despite all the glowing things I mention above, I still didn't quite love the film. The pace is VERY slow, but not to the point of being boring. I think perhaps it was the juxtaposition between traditional film, with real actors like McDormand speaking character dialogue and having little plot-like things to deal with, and the more documentary style wherein real people tell their stories or engage in moments of dialogue in the slightly awkward way any of us who don't act in front of a camera would likely have. There are many things to admire about Zhao's approach (and I respect the idea of having these nomads speak for themselves), but for me, it doesn't quite work. It made me aware too often that I was watching a film that was experimenting with style and form. At times, images and incidents flowed over me in a beautiful way and at others, I was jarred with "oh hey, this actor is just a real person trying to handle dialogue."

Having said that, the film is still well worth watching. McDormand is quietly gripping and the beauty of the land and the presentation of a nearly unknown way of life is very worthwhile to see.
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