Nomadland - Movie Review

Nomadland - Movie Review

Critic Score - 8 of 10

General Audience Score - 5 of 10

Why is Nomadland being considered to be among the best films of the year? What is all the hype about? Is it worthy of the hype? In some ways, it certainly is worthy. In others, not so much. It really depends on what you look for in film.

PROS - This film follows the path of Fern played by Frances McDormand as she embraces the life of a homeless nomad. One of the most wonderful things about this film is the visuals. The scenery  which Fern is able to enjoy is incredible and we're able to see some of the amazing beauty of the western U.S. The cinematography and camerawork is stunning with some excellent close up shots contrasted with sweeping landscapes and skies. But as Fern continues her journey, McDormand's acting really begins to kick into high gear. As she meets and interacts with some of the other characters, this movie feels almost like a documentary at times with the realism portrayed. 

The score is also very similar to the film in that it's able to effectively capture the delicate, quiet and yet very profound message of this film. Fern is alone quite often and the feelings of isolation and being cut off from the rest of humanity run deep. The dialogue and screenwriting is also some exceptional work and this movie will make plays for awards across the board. There is so much technical work that is rock solid in this film, no pun intended, that it's easy for critics to fall in love with this borderline masterpiece of filmmaking. I myself gave it an 8 of 10 but that could easily improve upon future viewings. But are the technical aspects the only thing that matter in filmmaking?

CONS - To say that this movie is a slow burn is probably an understatement. This movie is slow and in no hurry to get where it's going, which isn't far from the beginning. The story is simple and clean and focuses on the feeling that emerge from being separated from other humans. The lack of anything going on half the time will be a real turn off to the average viewer and some will undoubtedly get some extra sleep during their watch. 

And this movie is not an overwhelmingly positive experience. It has discussion of isolation, grief, death and suicide. While these things are all a part of the human experience, the feelings this movie evokes may skew to the negative. And that may simply not be what some are in the market for with their entertainment.

SUMMARY - It's not really a question of if this movie is good or bad. It's really in ones perspective on movies. Are you looking for a thick plot with twists and action? You probably won't make it through the first 15 minutes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you can enjoy quiet, meditative, and emotionally provocative cinema, you'll get your moneys worth and more taking this tour in the land of nomads.


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