Nomadland (2020)

After losing everything in the Great Recession, a woman embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.

Director:

Chloé Zhao

Writers:

Jessica Bruder (book), Chloé Zhao (screenplay by)

Stars:

Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May

108 wins & 79 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Frances McDormand	...	Fern
Gay DeForest	...	Gay
Patricia Grier	...	Patty
Linda May	...	Linda
Angela Reyes	...	Angela
Carl R. Hughes	...	Carl
Douglas G. Soul	...	Doug
Ryan Aquino	...	Ryan
Teresa Buchanan	...	Teresa
Karie Lynn McDermott Wilder	...	Karie
Brandy Wilber	...	Brandy
Makenzie Etcheverry	...	Makenzie
Bob Wells	...	Bob
Annette Webb	...	Annette
Rachel Bannon	...	Rachel

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

title directed by female | title written by female | f rated | female frontal nudity | female nudity | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some full nudity.

Did You Know?

Trivia

Winner of the Golden Lion at the 77th Venice International Film Festival.

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Quotes

Dolly: You know, when you were growing up, you were eccentric to other people. You maybe seemed weird, but it was just because you were braver and more honest than everybody else. And you could see me when I was hiding from everybody. And sometimes you could see me before I saw myself. I needed that in my life. And you are my sister. I would have loved having you around all these years. You left a big hole by leaving.
Fern: That one's on me.

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Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Best Movies of 2020 (2020)

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Soundtracks

Foot Stompin' Banjo
Composed and Produced by Stephen Edwards
provided by mVibe LLC

User Reviews

Filmmaking Minimalism - DONE RIGHT!

This is cinematic patience, a bare and beautifully drawn out experience that paces and feels exactly like the lives and experiences it portrays. The landscapes are stunning, the camerawork intimate and always thoughtful with its choices. The movie makes subtle, deliberate gestures, and it all culminates into something really special. Movies so plot-thin always must walk the careful border of disinterest - but honestly I could've watched another hour of this stuff and never get bored. It's hypnotizing in its own unique way, and I haven't really seen anything quite like it. (This is the vibe I wish Sean Penn's Into the Wild could've captured).

8.5/10

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 2021 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nomadland

Filming Locations:

Arizona, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cor Cordium Productions, Hear/Say Productions, Highwayman Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1