What if Kerouac was still alive, but old and sad?

Nomadland follows Fern, a baby boomer who was forced out of her home and now lives in her van, spending her life with other nomads and picking up odd jobs. Director Chloé Zhao’s filmed this movie as a docu-fiction, with beautiful nature shots and a fantastic piano score that could rival Amelie.

Although we follow Fern, it’s quickly established that she isn’t a part of a grand narrative; we explore her life much like a fly on the wall, becoming increasingly invested with her realness and quirks. Frances McDormand is such a great actor I don’t care that she’s an odd old lady who would probably rub me the wrong way in real life; she’s incredible to watch.

This movie is very 2020 in terms of its views on society and economics. Most of the characters come from financial tragedy, and the old jobs are meant to look gruelling (although I thought some of them looked kind of fun). It’s about an alternative life away from the capitalist machine, and the movie shows you that, along with the adversity and the tragedy, there is also tranquillity and joy in this way of life – that perhaps money and possessions can burden and weigh you down.

I can’t really fault the movie in any way and would recommend it if you want to feel like taking off into the world, or just want to watch some gorgeous American scenery.