"Nomadland" - SPOILER ALERT

"Nomadland" is currently streaming on Hulu and has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Picture category - a nomination it has rightfully earned! 

It is based on the best-selling book by the same name. I must admit, the "R" rating had me questioning whether or not I wanted to watch it. However, I read reviews about it (I often investigate why a movie is given a certain rating, especially R, before I watch it) and my mind was put at ease when I learned that there are only a few very brief scenes that warrant this rating. So I gave it a chance. I found that not only are the R-rated scenes few and brief, but they are also purposeful. They give viewers a greater understanding of what Fern's (the main character) life is really like as a nomad.

Have the tissues handy when you watch this beautiful movie and prepare to be moved to tears. The beauty is not just in the scenery, which, to my delight, shows parts of the country I personally have not explored.  The beauty is also in the story itself and in the characters. There is not one evil character in this film. You might think a movie with no villain would be boring. Not so. If ever I lost faith in humanity, this movie restored it. It's a reminder that while there is conflict in the world, kindness and hope also exist.

The theme of loss is poignant in this film. I was not expecting this. It was a pleasant surprise because it was like the glue that held the movie together. It added a lot of depth to the plot. And it isn't just about one kind of loss. It's about the anticipation of loss, various kinds of loss, and how we move forward from these losses. We've all dealt with loss in some way, and so a wide audience will find it relatable. The irony of this is that it is not a depressing movie. On the contrary, it one of the most uplifting movies I've ever seen. Yes, I cried a river of tears. They were tears of sadness, but also tears of comfort.

Some people might feel sorry for the main character in this movie. Her lifestyle isn't what most people would consider the norm. However, while supporting characters in the movie are kindly willing to help, they do not feel sorry for Fern. I can, in some way, relate to this. I appreciate when people are willing to help, but I do not want them to feel sorry for me. Fern feels the same way. She is content with living minimally and on the road. She is even part of a community. Everyone loves her and she is happy living her life as a nomad.

I really love that some of the main supporting characters in this movie are not played by professional actors and actresses. They are played by authentic nomads truly living the life they portray on screen. The general way of life for nomads is believable, in part because of this.

I do have one criticism of "Nomadland" and that is about the way Amazon is portrayed. I tend to believe it is a lot more stressful than what we see in this movie. I don't think it's as rosy a picture as "Nomadland" paints and that is why Amazon is always a last resort for me when ordering online. If you look it up, you'll understand what I'm talking about. It is great that they can provide jobs for those who need them, but I'm not so sure about the working conditions.

My understanding is that the book, Nomadland, illustrates a more truthful picture and it is now on my must read list. Despite the apparent misrepresentation of Amazon, which, in my opinion, is the movie's only flaw, I HIGHLY recommend experiencing "Nomadland" (because it really is an "experience"). Although I have not watched any of the other nominees for Best Picture, I sincerely hope this one wins. There isn't anything high tech or flashy about it, compared to a lot of popular movies these days, but it doesn't need any of that. The story speaks for itself. It's told in a minimalistic, but powerful way. This is the perfect example of "less is more". "Nomadland" moved me in a way that movies rarely do and I'm willing to bet it will do or has done the same for you. 

Let me know if you've seen it and what you think!