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The only fictional character in the film is Fern, but given McDormand s laid-back attitude, earthy essence, and penchant for accepting awards in a denim jacket, she fits in perfectly with this rag-tag group of modern nomads.
Fern, a widow in her 60s, is forced into living a transient life after she loses everything in the recession. She takes on odd jobs to make ends meet, including working at an Amazon warehouse for a period of time. She learns basic survival skills and self-sufficiency from the other nomads who welcome her into their community.
Her story may be fictional, but it encapsulates the story of so many Americans who are living off the grid, and embracing the nomad lifestyle, in order to survive the forever changing political and socio-economic landscape.
By Herald Magazine The best of our weekly guide to everything happening in Scotland
Frances McDormand as Fern
Picture: PA Photo/Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures After a woman in her 60s loses everything in the recession, she embarks on a journey across the American West, living in her van. She finds temporary and seasonal work, including at an Amazon warehouse, and discovers a community of other people living off the grid and on the road, from whom she learns basic survival and self-sufficiency skills, as well as a new appreciation for living. This is the story of Nomadland, the Oscar frontrunner and recent toast of the Baftas, where it was named best film and director Chloe Zhao became the second woman in history to win the directing prize.