If not for the presence of Frances McDormand and David Straithairn, one would almost consider this film to be a documentary rather than a fictional story. It explores the plight of vagabond folks living on the road between somewhat longer stops to work for a spell before moving on again. McDormand's appearance is almost shocking compared to prior films, here she looks haggard and ravaged due to circumstances forcing her to leave her once home town of Empire, Nevada, a location that no longer has a zip code due to the local Gypsum Company plant closing down, and taking virtually all of it's residents with it. McDormand's character Fern searches out employment at various locations, making enough to get by until the major expense of a broken down van requires reaching out to a sister for financial help. A certain sadness permeates the film, as one realizes that the freedom offered by living on the road carries with it a trade off, as relationships formed become at best temporary, and often times one is reduced to mending a broken plate rather than incurring an additional expense. Yet the handful of vagabonds we meet from place to place are always reluctant to offer their good-byes, rather having a more positive attitude that suggests "I'll see you down the road." This film will certainly not appeal to a large segment, as the pace is rather drawn out and is heavy on dialog, though the impact of the message will resonate for those of a compassionate nature. The film just earned a Best Drama Picture at the recent Golden Globes, and even though I generally agree with it's commendable IMDb rating, I'm not sure if that would have been the best selection against competition like "Mank" and "The Trial of the Chicago Seven", but for those of a wandering spirit, it might certainly earn that distinction.
Review of Nomadland
