When was the last time you reflected on the preciousness of life? A wise man once wrote that we are like breath and went on to compare our days to passing shadows. That can probably come across as a really dark way to look at life, but what if it is a challenge to reset the way you look at life? It feels weird going from a movie like Silk Road that thrives on the urgency of convenience. There is a scene in that movie where one of the characters talks about how our modern culture is about instant gratification. In that search for gratification we can miss so much. What are you missing right now?

A growing underlying theme of our episodes this year has been our staff sharing their experiences with social media. How this year in particular we are beginning to reset our vision for life and take steps toward breaking that instant gratification mindset. It’s become incredibly freeing to enjoy the moment of real life interactions and get to know people again. Even in the midst of a global pandemic it has been refreshing to make new friends and create new memories. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. So why not live for today? As Robin Williams said in Dead Poets Society, “Carpe Diem” or “seize the day.” Live today to its fullest.

That’s where Frances McDormand finds herself nowadays or at least that’s where she finds herself in the movie, Nomadland. Nomadland is a character study of Fern (McDormand), who lives in a van and moves around the country year round. This is a unique film to talk about. The movie is so rich and complex yet simple in its delivery. McDormand is nothing short of incredible. Her performance is astonishingly vulnerable. She is afraid to get close to the people she meets. Every time you think that she is getting close to other characters there is a break away and she moves onto the next house. Fern is a deeply flawed and rich character that feels refreshing to experience. 

There is a degree of honesty that McDormand brings to this role as well. Her acting and the direction of Chloe Zhao leave viewers with a near documentary feel to the film. That’s why as I previously stated it’s a unique film to specifically write and talk about. McDormand and her co-star David Strathairn are the only legitimate actors within the film; the rest of the cast we meet throughout the film are actual nomads. There is a level of authenticity with that approach. McDormand adapted the lifestyle of a nomad and decorated the van she uses in the film with her own decorations to give the film a more honest degree of validity. There’s a genuine quality sown into the tapestry of this film. 

Some of the best scenes are between McDormand and the actual nomads. The most endearing sequences are with McDormand and Linda May. Their chemistry is beautiful. The actresses feel like they have known each other nearly their entire life. Their relationship provides some of the most charming and wholesome scenes within Nomadland. You can’t help but smile during darn near every moment of their screen time together. Another charming character within the movie is  a character named Swankie. She provides the film with a different tone of charm but nonetheless is another brilliant addition to the film.

Zhao is someone in particular I want to talk about. She not only directed the film but also wrote the script, providing audiences with a beautiful depiction of how messy life can be, while also reminding us how precious it can be between those sadder moments. As I previously mentioned, she brings this almost documentary film quality to the viewing experience. There are so many examples to choose from, but there are two in particular I want to point out. The first comes from a scene between McDormand and Strathairn when the two share a dance. The way the camera moves is flawless. Zhao has the capability to make it feel as though the camera is another character within the movie. The second comes from the breathtaking montages she captures as McDormand is traveling the country. There is such a rawness to these sequences in particular. It demonstrates some truly visionary work from the young director. When those sequences in particular are matched by the stunning score from Ludovico Einaudi, you have stunning scenes that stand out in an already near perfect movie.

Overall, Nomadland is beautifully fearless in its delivery. It is a genuine delight that boasts a strong performance from its lead in Frances McDormand and the real life nomads she encounters. Chloe Zhao proves not only a compelling narrative through the script but equally strong direction from behind the camera. Zhao delivers a film that is a near transformative drama that borders on documentary. There is nothing else like this movie. It is simple yet deep. Nomadland is impactful and beautiful cinema.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: As previously mentioned some of the most wholesome scenes come from McDormand and real life nomad Linda May. There is one anomaly between their scenes. Each one is sharing stories about how they came into the life of being a nomad. Linda shares a specific story about how she planned to kill herself. This moment is one of the darker moments in the film. From someone who has also given thought to what his own suicide would have been: consider what you’re leaving behind. One of the best sayings I’ve come across is “suicide doesn’t end the pain - it just transfers it to the ones you love.”

The other portion of the scene is Linda explaining why she ultimately didn’t go through with the suicide. It is also worth mentioning, statistically speaking, for every suicide that occurs, twenty-five more have been attempted. Linda says it was her animals that ultimately saved her. She says that she couldn’t leave them behind. She found a healthy outlet to serve as therapy for her to overcome her depression. Animals are a great way to deal with mental health. We did an episode on that a few years ago. Animals are a significant step forward when it comes to overcoming depression and anxiety. 

I know it doesn’t always feel like it in the moment but you have value and worth. There are people that champion for your mental health breakthrough. No one is wishing depression upon you. The world is a better place because you’re in it. Consider our resources. Please never underestimate your value.

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Nomadland is property of Searchlight Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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