Nomadland 2020
Directed by
Chloé Zhao
Made by
Searchlight Pictures
Plot Summary
In 2011, shortly after losing her job at the US Gypsum plant in Empire, Nevada, Fern finds herself at a crossroads. Having worked there for many years alongside her late husband, she makes the brave decision to sell most of her possessions and acquire a van, choosing to embark on a journey across the country in search of work. During the winter, she secures a seasonal position at an Amazon fulfillment center.
An invitation from her friend and co-worker Linda leads Fern to a desert gathering in Arizona organized by Bob Wells, aimed at creating a community and support system for fellow nomads. Initially hesitant, Fern ultimately decides to attend the gathering when her circumstances worsen and job opportunities dwindle. Here, she encounters other nomads and acquires essential skills for surviving the road, fostering a new sense of belonging.
Soon after, when Fern’s van suffers a flat tire, she seeks assistance from a nearby nomad, Swankie, who scolds her for her lack of preparedness. Despite their rocky start, Fern and Swankie form a strong friendship as Swankie shares her story, revealing her cancer diagnosis and her desire to make meaningful memories while traveling instead of succumbing to illness in a hospital. Their paths eventually diverge, leaving Fern with valuable lessons.
As time goes on, Fern secures a job as a camp host at an RV park, where she reconnects with David, a fellow nomad she had danced with during the desert gathering. When David falls ill, she steps up, accompanying him to the hospital for urgent surgery and later working alongside him at a local restaurant. During a visit from David’s adult son, Fern learns about his grandchild’s impending arrival. Though David considers returning home, he invites Fern, who declines, choosing to respect his needs.
After taking a job in beet harvesting, bad luck strikes as Fern’s van breaks down and she is unable to finance the repairs. She turns to her sister for help, but their conversation reveals lingering tensions and unresolved issues from their past. Despite receiving the aid, Fern feels a sense of alienation due to her absence from their lives. Wanting to reconnect, she visits David and his family, only to discover that he plans to stay with them long-term. Though offered a permanent room, Fern ultimately decides to leave.
Returning to her seasonal role at Amazon, Fern revisits the Arizona commune, where she learns of Swankie’s passing. Moved, she and the other nomads honor her life and share memories. Fern candidly speaks with Bob about her late husband, allowing him to express his own grief over the loss of his son. Their conversation emphasizes the bond of the nomadic community, where farewells are never truly final as they all promise to meet again down the road.
Eventually, Fern makes her way back to the now-abandoned town of Empire, visiting the factory and the home she once shared with her husband, providing a poignant moment of reflection before she sets off on her next adventure.
Timeline
Fern Loses Her Job
In 2011, Fern loses her job at the US Gypsum plant in Empire, Nevada. This marks a significant turning point in her life, forcing her to reevaluate her circumstances and future.
Embark on a Journey
After selling most of her possessions, Fern makes the courageous decision to buy a van for her journey across the country. She seeks to find work and embrace a nomadic lifestyle, leaving behind the home she shared with her late husband.
Seasonal Job at Amazon
Fern secures a seasonal position at an Amazon fulfillment center during the winter. This temporary work provides her with a sense of stability as she navigates her new life on the road.
Desert Gathering in Arizona
An invitation from her friend and co-worker, Linda, leads Fern to a desert gathering organized by Bob Wells. Here, she learns valuable skills for nomadic living and finds a sense of community among fellow wanderers.
Flat Tire Encounter
While traveling, Fern's van suffers a flat tire, prompting her to seek help from a fellow nomad named Swankie. Despite a harsh initial scolding about preparedness, they quickly develop a strong friendship.
Swankie's Story
Swankie shares her poignant story about her cancer diagnosis and her desire to travel and create memories. This conversation deeply impacts Fern, highlighting the importance of living life to the fullest.
Job as Camp Host
Fern takes on a job as a camp host at an RV park, where she reconnects with David, a fellow nomad from the desert gathering. Their companionship reinforces Fern's growing sense of belonging within the nomadic community.
David's Illness
When David falls ill and requires urgent surgery, Fern supports him by accompanying him to the hospital. This solidifies their bond and showcases her caring nature as they work together afterwards at a local restaurant.
Visit from David's Son
During a visit from David's adult son, Fern learns about the arrival of a grandchild. David contemplates returning home but invites Fern, who respectfully declines to prioritize his family needs.
Struggles with Beet Harvesting
Fern takes a job in beet harvesting, but her bad luck continues when her van breaks down. This predicament forces her to reach out to her sister for assistance, leading to a revealing conversation about their estranged relationship.
Alienation from Family
Despite receiving help from her sister, Fern feels alienated due to her long absence. This lingering tension highlights the emotional complexities of familial relationships and her nomadic lifestyle.
Visit to David's Family
Fern pays a visit to David and his family, only to discover that he intends to stay with them. Although offered a permanent room, she chooses to continue her journey, reaffirming her desire for independence.
Return to Amazon
Fern returns to her seasonal job at Amazon and revisits the Arizona commune. This nostalgic trip serves as a reminder of her connections with the nomadic community and their shared experiences.
Tribute to Swankie
In a solemn moment, Fern learns of Swankie's passing and joins other nomads in honoring her life. This gathering fosters reflection on loss, community, and the transient nature of their lifestyles.
Reflection in Empire
Fern makes a poignant visit to Empire, returning to the abandoned factory and her former home. This moment of reflection symbolizes her journey of loss, acceptance, and the future adventures that lie ahead.
Characters
Fern (Frances McDormand)
Fern is a resilient and introspective woman who embarks on a transformative journey after losing her job and husband. Her willingness to adapt to a nomadic lifestyle showcases her strength and determination to find purpose. Through her experiences, Fern evolves from isolation to connection, learning valuable lessons about life and loss.
David (David Strathairn)
David is a compassionate fellow nomad who provides Fern with a sense of companionship during her travels. His warmth and struggle with personal challenges resonate deeply, showcasing the complexity of relationships amidst uncertainty. Through his friendship with Fern, he embodies the spirit of support and community within the nomadic lifestyle.
Swankie
Swankie is a spirited nomad who shares her wisdom and life lessons with Fern. Her candid approach to discussing her illness and desire to create lasting memories reflects a unique perspective on life. Through their initially rocky relationship, Swankie's character illustrates the importance of connection and mentorship on the road.
Linda (Linda May)
Linda is a friendly face in Fern's journey, inviting her to the nomadic gathering. Her role as a connector signifies the bonds formed within this community and the importance of support among travelers. Linda embodies the traits of generosity and empathy that are essential in the nomadic lifestyle.
Setting
Time period
2011
The movie takes place in 2011, a time characterized by economic uncertainty and a growing trend of modern-day nomadism. The Great Recession has prompted many to rethink traditional lifestyles, leading to individuals seeking alternative means of living and working on the move. This setting highlights themes of resilience and adaptation in the face of personal loss.
Location
Empire, Nevada, Arizona
Empire, Nevada, is an abandoned town known for its gypsum factory, where many, including Fern, once worked. The harsh desert landscapes of Arizona serve as a backdrop for the nomadic gathering, fostering a sense of community among fellow travelers. These places represent both Fern's past and her journey towards a new life on the road.
Themes
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Nomadism
Nomadism is a central theme in 'Nomadland,' exploring the lives of those who live on the road, seeking freedom and connection. Fern's journey symbolizes a rejection of conventional living, as she discovers a sense of belonging among fellow nomads. The film poignantly captures the struggles and triumphs of navigating life outside society's norms.
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Loss and Grief
Loss and grief permeate the narrative, as Fern grapples with the death of her husband and the loss of her former life. Through her interactions with others, including Bob and Swankie, the film delves into how grief manifests and is shared within the nomadic community. It emphasizes that while life brings farewells, connections remain significant.
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Community
The theme of community is richly portrayed as Fern builds connections with other nomads throughout her journey. Despite their transient lifestyles, the individuals she meets offer support, wisdom, and friendship. The gatherings and shared experiences highlight the importance of solidarity in facing life's challenges.
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