Tuesday, May 24, 2022
flickfeast
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute
  • Submissions
    • Advertise on Flickfeast
    • Submit a Film
No Result
View All Result
flickfeast
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute
  • Submissions
    • Advertise on Flickfeast
    • Submit a Film
No Result
View All Result
FLICKFEAST
No Result
View All Result
Home Reviews Film Review

LFF 2020 – Nomadland (2020)

Katie Smith-Wong by Katie Smith-Wong
October 16, 2020
in Film Review
LFF 2020 – After Love (2020)
15
SHARES
1.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

As a notable winner at this year’s Venice and Toronto Film Festivals, Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland is one of this year’s highly anticipated films. Based on a 2017 non-fiction book by Jessica Bruder, the film stars Frances McDormand as Fern, a woman who leaves her rural town for a life on the road.

Since her acclaimed 2017 film The Rider, Zhao has been on a roll. Not only is Nomadland already touted for success at the 2021 Academy Awards, but she is to direct the planned Marvel film Eternals. In addition, McDormand is hoping to score her fifth Oscar nomination following her 2018 win for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. With a winning formula at hand, does Nomadland deliver?

You might also like

Firestarter (2022) – Film Review

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Film Review

Benediction (2021) — Film Review

When we first see Fern, she is already living the nomad (aka houseless, not homeless) life. Her town of Empire has practically become non-existent which a mine closure leaves its habitants with no work or homes. Christened ‘Vanguard’, her van becomes her sanctuary as she aimlessly travels while surviving on the occasional job.

Although it may come across as a drastic change, Nomadland features a popular lifestyle for older Americans. With more people wishing to escape the 9-to-5 life and financial pressures, the film highlights what blue-collar workers have had to endure with little reward. It shows how communities thrive via mutual support and a shared sense of resilience. Therefore, nomadism presents itself as an economical lifestyle that offers a sense of freedom with no real commitments.

However, through Fern’s eyes, nomadism also isolates her from civilisation. Her discomfort at being in a house with strangers is apparent, eventually causing her to criticise American real estate at an awkward family barbeque. Instead, she clings to memories of her family and late husband Beau that ultimately stop her from settling down. This also reinforces her loneliness while displaying a heartbreaking vulnerability.

The only real relationships Fern has are with other nomads. From workmate Linda May to the eccentric Swankie, they provide her with companionship and personal insight into nomadism. Despite their fleeting presence, their time with her offers a comforting reassurance that keeps her on the road.

Once again, McDormand offers a strong performance as Nomadland‘s shining star. Displaying sadness, melancholy and occasional moments of joy, she shows a versatility that is a far cry from the dry quirkiness seen in Three Billboards…and Fargo.

While Joshua James Richards’ beautiful cinematography and Ludovico Einaudi’s score provide a canvas for Zhao to build the narrative, she carefully captures America’s desolate wilderness. Using wide angles and slow tracking shots, she delicately visualises the harshness of nomadism and the freedom that feeds Fern’s travels. The result is a feast for the eyes that touches the soul.

Overall, Zhao’s third film brings a tender, bittersweet insight into life on the American road. Driven by McDormand’s complex performance, Nomadland is a breathtaking journey.

Director: Chloe Zhao
Stars: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May, Charlene Swankie, Bob Wells
Runtime: 108 minutes
Country: USA

Film Rating: ★★★★★

Tags: BFI LFF 2020BFI London Film Festival 2020Bob WellsCharlene SwankieChloe ZhaoDavid StrathairnFrances McDormandJessica BruderLFFLFF 2020Linda MayNomadland
Katie Smith-Wong

Katie Smith-Wong

Related Posts

Film Review

Firestarter (2022) – Film Review

by Dallas King
May 24, 2022
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Film Review
Film Review

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Film Review

by Katie Smith-Wong
May 23, 2022
Benediction (2021)
Film Review

Benediction (2021) — Film Review

by Jasmine Valentine
May 19, 2022
The Innocents (2021) – Film Review
Film Review

The Innocents (2021) – Film Review

by William Stottor
May 17, 2022
Father Stu (2022) – Film Review
Film Review

Father Stu (2022) – Film Review

by Dallas King
May 12, 2022

Recommended

Contraband (2012)

March 14, 2012

Ex Machina (2015)

January 20, 2015

Don't miss it

Film Review

Firestarter (2022) – Film Review

May 24, 2022
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Film Review
Film Review

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Film Review

May 23, 2022
Benediction (2021)
Film Review

Benediction (2021) — Film Review

May 19, 2022
Top 100 Greatest Movies Films
Spotlight

100 Greatest Movies (and 50 Honorable Mentions)

May 24, 2022
The Innocents (2021) – Film Review
Film Review

The Innocents (2021) – Film Review

May 17, 2022
Father Stu (2022) – Film Review
Film Review

Father Stu (2022) – Film Review

May 12, 2022
flickfeast

Whetting your appetite for cinema with the best film reviews and features since 2009

© Copyright - flickfeast. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute

© Copyright - flickfeast. All Rights Reserved.

Posting....