Nomadland Review: Majestic in Both Craft and Substance!

Nomadland, the 2020 drama written and directed by Chloé Zhao, stars Frances McDormand and David Strathairn in the lead roles and tells the narrative of a grieving woman’s journey as a nomad as she explores the expanses of the Western United States countryside.

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Let me start by saying this, Nomadland is a visual stunner. The beautiful imagery crafted by Joshua James Richards immerses you into the beauty of the American West. Zhao and Richards collectively do a magnificent job crafting this film that can only be described as a visual masterpiece.

Chloe Zhao’s direction is terrific. Nomadland is designed in such a way that it makes you feel like you are living in the story instead of viewing it from an outside lens and reminded me a lot of how a documentarian would approach filming something. Not only was the direction great, but the written and hushed brilliance of the script in combination with the terrific sound design by Sergio Diaz will enthrall you.

Onto the performances, Frances McDormand was tremendous as usual and brilliant. Her dialogue is few and far between, but her performance is nonetheless riveting. And I have a hard time seeing anyone beating her out for the Best Actress category at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Nomadland starring Frances McDormand was an all-around tremendous analysis of life as Nomad and explores themes of tragedy, grief, and love. It lets us relish in the fullness of life everything in which the world has to offer. Nomadland is majestic in both craft and substance.

Rating – 5/5 | Grade – O

Review by Robert Arcidiacono
Follow Robert on IG – @arcmoviereviews