NOMADLAND REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

2020 has, obviously, been one of the toughest and most difficult years in recent history because of the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to millions of deaths worldwide. The pandemic has also affected the way people live, especially in England, leading to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson sending the population into lockdown and setting new rules including face masks being worn in public areas, queuing outside shops and social distancing. The pandemic also led to the closure of cinemas in March, leading to many films being delayed to later in the year or 2021. Fortunately, the majority of cinemas reopened in July with new safety measures put in including the mandatory of face masks, the availability of hand sanitisers and social distancing rules. I’ve been back to my local cinemas many times since they’ve reopened and I’ve been really impressed with how seriously the staff have taken the new rules and I’ve felt really safe. I’ve noticed that the screens are being frequently cleaned in between films rather than just tidied. Overall, 2020 has been a life changing year for millions, however, the trips to the cinema have made the year that little bit easier to deal with. 
Usually, the final few months of the year sees the release of films that have Oscar potential which is why it’s my favourite time of year. I first heard of Chloé Zhao’s latest film, Nomadland in September in 2020 when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival. It received a positive reception from critics and it quickly became one of my most anticipated films of 2020. I was fortunate enough to watch Nomadland at one of my local cinemas in October last year during the London Film Festival.

Christopher Nolan’s latest film, Tenet, was the first to be released in cinemas, however, it was released during a time when many people were too anxious to return to the cinema during a pandemic, despite the new health and safety measures. Honestly, if there’s one film that should convince audiences to return to the cinema, it’s Nomadland. It’s more than just a film, it's a fascinating exploration of its main character, Fern (Frances McDormand), who, following the death of her husband, loses her home and lives in her van and travels across the United States. However, Fern doesn't perceive herself as homeless, rather “houseless”.
With Nomadland, filmmaker Zhao has created an inspiring and life affirming feature with McDormand delivering her most moving performance yet. Because I hadn’t seen any of Zhao’s previous films, including The Rider and Songs My Brother Taught Me, I wasn’t sure what to expect from her latest feature, Nomadland, fortunately, it beat my expectations and found it to be a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be a nomad in the United States. Because I enjoyed Nomadland, I’m really looking forward to watching more ofZhao’s works and for her next film, The Eternals, which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With Nomadland, Zhao gives viewers a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be a nomad in the United States. What’s most interesting about Nomadland was Zhao’s decision to include real nomads in her film. This adds verisimilitude to the production. What’s most impressive is that the individuals behave naturally in front of the camera and none of them act awkwardly. They interact and treat McDormand as one of their own and her chemistry with them is natural. I think that Nomadland made for an inspiring watch. Despite all the hardships the nomads have been through, they still keep going with their lives. Despite the death of her husband and loss of her house, Fern still makes a living for herself by taking on several different jobs. I think that this made her a respectable individual.
The only other professional actor to appear is David Strathairn as Dave who forms a relationship with McDormand as Fern. McDormand is, by far, one of the most talented actors working today and has received two Oscars for her performances as Marge in Fargo and Mildred in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Both of these characters had fierce personalities, however, with her portrayal of Fern, McDormand delivers her most touching performance yet. I’ll be very surprised if McDormand doesn’t receive an Oscar nomination for her performance next year. 
While there’s been little competition due to a lot of films having their release dates being postponed to 2021, Nomadland is, by far, one of the best films of 2020. I would like to see the film be nominated for Best Picture as it tells a unique and fascinating story with superlative work from both 

Zhao and McDormand. 


Prior to watching Nomadland, I read a lot of reviews from critics, with the vast majority of them praising the film, Zhao’s direction and McDormand’s performance. However, due to the current pandemic, many of the critics watched the film at home which lead to them wishing they had seen it at the cinema. I was fortunate enough to watch Nomadland at the cinema and it further proves why I love visiting the cinema. I was truly invested in Nomadland throughout and I found the landscape shots truly breathtaking. I found Nomadland to be similar to Henry Macqueen’s Supernova which focused on a couple travelling in an RV. Those who liked Supernova will, almost certainly, have similar feelings towards Nomadland as both are meaningful and touching films. 


Nomadland is scheduled to be released in cinemas in the UK on March 19th. I really hope cinemas are open by then. If they are, I highly recommend giving Zhao’s latest film a watch as its story is inspiring and uplifting.

Overall, with Nomadland, Chloe Zhao establishes herself as one of the most skilful filmmakers. It’s obvious she cares about characters and having their stories told. Frances McDormand also continues to impress with her moving performance.

8/10