Review of Nomadland (2021) by Psyfungi — 27 May 2021

It *almost* makes you think. It *almost* tells a story. It *almost* has a point of view, but the director cuts it off from doing any of these things every time. It has a vast landscape shots, but honestly, a lot of it wasn't "beautiful" just... vast and empty and untouched landscape. There's no story, certainly no "plot" to follow. Someone accidentally breaking her plates was perhaps the most striking moment in the whole thing. Or maybe... oh no! drama! the main character might be getting ill?!?! No, she just has an upset tummy, for no reason hinted before nor explained after.

And these nomads, carefully un-judged by the film-maker, portrayed as neither down-and-outs ("I'm not homeless, I'm houseless") nor heros, are on one hand free to wander the huge distances of America, yet unable to afford a spare tire. Somehow able to get instant, same-day keyhole surgery in America without any concern for cost, but desperate for a discount because they don't use electricity at the RV park.

It kinda looks realistic, but was also completely unrealistic.

The cinematography, acting and music all seem to make it emotional, but the lead character who we follow minute by minute had no inner life, despite tragedy.

Way, way overrated.