I was doing my routine weekend scroll through Hulu when a new movie, starkly different from my normal comedy selections, was recommended to me. Normally, I would have quickly moved away from it, continuing the search for something else to occupy my night. Instead, I was drawn further in with the movie’s “#vanlife”-esque description.
Two-time Golden Globe winner “Nomadland” follows the life of a woman who loses everything to the Great Recession. No longer having a home or a town, she packs up her van and takes to the road. From my solo viewing, it’s impossible to tell how much time passes over the film, but you get the feeling that it’s a long time, at least to Fern, our main character. The 2020 film won both Best Motion Picture (drama) and Best Director at the 2021 award show.
If you like multitasking during your movie-watching, this is not the film for you. The beginning of the movie is silent until audio enters with the voice of Fern singing. This beginning sets the tone for the rest of the movie, as viewers become familiar with long periods of silence throughout Fern’s travels. Attempting to do anything that draws your gaze away for more than a few seconds is sure to make you miss crucial scenes.
Alongside all the important parts are a series of less significant but just as noteworthy scenes. These act as filler during Ferns travel. They capture beautiful images of the west and the desert that Fern is so often driving through.
Woven through all of Fern’s solitary journey are interactions within a community of fellow nomads. Three of Fern’s companions are played by actual nomads. I won’t tell you too much about their characters, but their names, both in reality and film, are Swankie, Linda May, and Bob Wells.
These characters, along with many nomads, make up a community that offers an alternate look into what most of us, or at least I, considered the van life to be like. When I picture van-lifers, I see young bloggers and Instagramers that definitely love to hike. While much time has passed since when the movie was based, people like Swankie and other permanent-movers give a different perspective to this reignited movement.
“Nomadland” is the kind of movie that makes you question your life and priorities. If that sounds like it may give you an existential crisis right now, I suggest putting this film near the bottom of your “to watch” list. From what I can tell, the movie earned its R-rating because of one scene of non-sexual nudity (so you’ve been warned).
Otherwise, I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone looking to broaden their perspective and learn about a fascinating, unfamiliar, and welcoming community. It’s available to stream through Hulu.
