Nomadland
Directed by Chloé Zhao7.393%82%7.2
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.
Where to Watch Nomadland
Nomadland Ratings & Reviews
- Vitor Lameirão Alves4d agoA meditative, contemplative piece akin to Into the Wild or The Rider, blending naturalistic performances with stunning cinematography. More impressionist painting than traditional narrative, it eschews plot arcs for mood, atmosphere, and quiet reflection. Beautiful, patient, and immersive—but not conventionally gripping or plot-driven.
- jackmeatJuly 8, 2025My quick rating - 7.0/10. An exceptionally filmed flick headlined by a stellar acting job by Frances McDormand. Not like she ever turns in much less than that. You definitely have to switch your pacing, though, since the movie is a bit slow. Ok, it is very slow since it really plays out more like a docudrama, which, considering it is not, also adds to how well made this is. As McDormand travels throughout the USA as a modern-day nomad, it really just feels like you are there with her. All the things that being always on the move and not settling into one place. Constantly doing something different, in a new place, and adapting to the surroundings. And not only being on the move by choice, but having the system put you in the position to have to do it. The movie really only briefly touches upon corporate America pushing McDormand and many others out of their careers and homes. What it does show us is a fairly realistic look at being a wanderer. How realistic it is, I suppose, could be in question, but this surely doesn't glamorize the experience for the sake of Hollywood, but just presents itself as it is. Gorgeous cinematography mixed in along the road to give the viewer a glimpse of the country and the everyday people that inhabit it. I am sure that some of the people were local and underpaid (there seemed to be some parts where the interactions seemed a bit out of place), but then again, they would be anyway. Yes, this is part of my Oscar season watching, so I am already aware of its nomination. Deserving, yes, winner? Don't have that gut feeling like I did last year. Wouldn't surprise me, so we'll see.
- Mister ArnMay 14, 2025Stunning use of cinematography to add to the drama of the film. Many of the scenes are the protagonist alone, with only the landscapes to interact with. These interactions feel real and convey an emotion.
- Rowan KrzysiakFebruary 13, 2025To me a disingenuous air surrounded the whole thing. I disliked the central performance and didn't care about anyone. Frustrating from the beginning, couldn't wait for it to end.
Watch Nomadland Videos
Nomadland Trivia
Nomadland was released on January 29, 2021.
Nomadland was directed by Chloé Zhao.
Nomadland has a runtime of 1 hr 48 min.
Nomadland was produced by Chloé Zhao, Frances McDormand, Dan Janvey, Mollye Asher, Peter Spears.
The key characters in Nomadland are Fern (Frances McDormand), Dave (David Strathairn), Linda (Linda May).
Nomadland is rated R.
Nomadland is a Drama film.
Nomadland has an audience rating of 8.2 out of 10.