Review of Nomadland (2021) by Everett — 21 Feb 2021

Underwritten. And what a shame, given the talents of the actors, not only the always-brilliant Frances McDormand but those who aren't professional actors.

How powerful this film would've been if the screenwriter had mined these roles and given them the scenes they deserved! And such opportunities for depth: The relationship with the David Strathairn character, Dave, and Fern's sister, who supplies some exposition about Fern's backstory but allows so little understanding of who are they are in themselves, and to each other. "Spare" is what I'd call this kind of writing, and sometimes less is more, but not here. After spending two hours with Fern, I know her life (in minute detail), but I don't know HER. Another underdevelopment: The reasons why these people live with such hardship. There's a systemic reason, and it has everything to do with the Amazon element that figures so prominently as a setting, while missing the opportunity to contrast its workers' lives with those who profit from them. I didn't read the book, but I suspect it would've been a great source for the theme of the chasm between rich and poor that is the nation's growing disgrace. With some flesh on the bones of its script, this movie could have been a true classic. Again: What a shame.