Nomadland

Directed by Chloé Zhao, Nomadland follows Frances McDormand’s Fern as she works a series of seasonal jobs and makes fleeting friendships while traveling the country in her beat-up van (which also doubles as her home). There’s not, ultimately, much going on within Nomadland in terms of plot, and yet the movie remains absolutely compelling for the duration of its leisurely-paced yet spellbinding 107 minutes – as filmmaker Zhao, working from her own script, delivers a beautifully directed narrative that’s been peppered with an assortment of absolutely captivating images and sequences. It’s clear, however, that the picture’s undeniable success is due in large part to McDormand’s persistently (and completely) mesmerizing turn as the sympathetic protagonist, as the actress turns in a remarkably lived-in performance that never, at any time, feels anything less than entirely authentic – with the effectiveness of McDormand’s work here enhanced by a periphery cast comprised mostly of real-life figures from the world depicted by Zhao. The methodical, contemplative atmosphere ensures that Nomadland becomes more and more engrossing (and emotional) as it unfolds, while the note-perfect finale ensures that the whole things ends on as powerful and satisfying a note as one could’ve hoped – with the final result a truly special, singular endeavor from an almost breathtakingly talented new filmmaker.

**** out of ****