Cyndy Drue’s Nomadland film review
Nomadland is released today, February 19, 2021 in theaters (see list below) It’s the story of Fern (Frances McDormand) who chooses the life of a wanderer over conventional society. Living out of her van, driving through beautiful country landscapes, she explores life on the road as a modern-day nomad.
(From L-R): Director/Writer Chloé Zhao, Director of Photography Joshua Richardson and Frances McDormand on the set of NOMADLAND. Photo Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures. © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved
The film, directed by Chloe Zhaos is not action packed or a thriller. It’s a quiet tale that tells the story of this way of life. We see landscapes in America that even the best cinematographer cannot do justice to but Nomadland Cinematographer Joshua James Richards comes as close as possible.
This is why this film should be seen in a theater. To really appreciate the sweeping, stunning vistas of the badlands of South Dakota, Empire, Nevada and western Nebraska where it was filmed.
Based on the book by Jessica Bruder about workers impacted by the Great Recession, much of the film used real people, not actors. The production went into Van villages the way a documentary is made. But the Director went to great lengths to make sure you couldn’t tell these scenes weren’t staged.
A definite must see, I believe this film has a good chance of winning a lot of awards, including even Picture of the Year.
At home, you can stream the film on Hulu. Here’s where you can see Nomadlands in area theaters:
PHILADELPHIA – now playing in IMAX at AMC Neshaminy, IMAX at AMC Cherry Hill and on Superscreen DLX with Dolby Atmos at Movie Tavern Providence Town Center in Collegeville. Check listings for other theaters near you.
