[Review] Nomadland: See You Down the Road

Nomadland is considered a frontrunner for this year's Oscars, and director Chloé Zhao's past remarks previously caused quite a stir. However, the film was released in Hong Kong last week and doesn't seem to have generated much buzz. Perhaps this is because the film is different from what general audiences usually watch?

Nomadland, through the experiences of its protagonist Fern (Frances McDormand), leads viewers into the world of van-dwelling nomads, a topic that is likely unfamiliar to most audiences. These nomads live in their vehicles, traveling around and working in different places to earn a living, sometimes looking out for each other and sharing. The film doesn't have a clear plotline, mainly narrating Fern's encounters and separations with other characters. These characters initially appear close, sharing many commonalities, looking after each other, and enjoying their time together, but they part ways casually, like strangers. The film cast a group of real-life nomads, staying true to its realistic style. Some scenes feel like a documentary, allowing them to share their stories and philosophies as if being interviewed. This approach is simple and unadorned, observing the world of nomads from an outsider's perspective. Viewers may not feel deeply emotionally invested, but they will at least gain some knowledge and understanding of this community.

Hearing about the setting of van-dwelling nomads, general audiences might think of them as homeless wanderers. However, as Fern says in the film, their vehicles are their homes. The nomads in the film drive their vehicles everywhere, and their vehicles and the items inside are all they possess. The space inside the vehicles is small, and the equipment is limited, but they are self-contained and sufficient to meet their living needs. More importantly, they truly own these vehicles and items, and even if another financial crisis occurs, no one can take their belongings away. Ordinary people might prefer to spend decades paying off a mortgage to live in a comfortable house; but these nomads choose to wander around, earning their living and spending their money on what they truly own. This kind of life may not be comfortable or stable, but at least they feel they can live with dignity.

In addition to narrating the stories of general van-dwelling nomads, the film also excellently depicts Fern's personal story. After losing her stable job due to the financial crisis, and with her husband having recently passed away, she can only rely on herself financially and emotionally. Under these circumstances, she becomes part of the nomad community. Although she is part of it, the characteristic of this group is that they don't have strong attachments to each other. Even if they have good relationships, they still part ways casually because they know they will always meet again, perhaps in this life or in the afterlife. Fern's character setting perfectly blends into this community: she closes herself off, reduces contact with others, so that she won't be hurt again by separation. For others, this might be avoidance or an inability to let go of the past, but for Fern, this kind of relationship might be better. Compared to her previous performances, Frances McDormand's portrayal this time is restrained and nuanced. Without needing overly forceful emotional acting, she sufficiently conveys Fern's loneliness and the hardships she has endured.

The film's cinematography adheres to the overall style of the film, focusing on realism. Many scenes are shot with natural light, and there are many empty shots of the sky and natural landscapes, immersing the audience in the film's world, allowing them to experience and feel life alongside the protagonist. The film uses many desolate landscapes and cold, snowy scenes to highlight Fern's loneliness. In many scenes, the camera deliberately shoots Fern as very small, with the vast, weathered natural landscape as the background, seemingly reminding the audience that our lives are only a tiny part of the natural world. No matter how painful things we experience, it will all pass, and might not even leave any trace in the world.

Trailer:

Synopsis:

Following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand) packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. The third feature film from director Chloé Zhao, NOMADLAND features real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Fern’s mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West.

Photo and Source: Searchlight Pictures