Nomadland (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Nomadland is a 2020 drama directed by Chloé Zhao, starring Frances McDormand as Fern, Linda May and Bob Wells. It is inspired by Nomadland by Jessica Bruder. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes and earned $39.5 million worldwide on a $5 million budget. It won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture and Actress in a Leading Role, and 19 awards in all. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 87 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 47m (107 min)
- Director
- Chloé Zhao
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Searchlight Pictures
- Budget
- $5M
- Inspired by
- Nomadland by Jessica Bruder
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Nomadland About?
The premise of Nomadland without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
After losing everything during the economic crisis, Fern embarks on a journey through the American West. She embraces a nomadic lifestyle, living and traveling in a van and encountering a community of modern-day nomads along the way. The film explores themes of loss, resilience, and finding connection in an ever-changing landscape.
Nomadland Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- living in a van
- nomad
- van
- road movie
- on the road
- economic recession
- desert
- nevada
- loneliness
- american west
- empire nevada
- female protagonist
+38 more Show fewer
- community
- snow
- breaking a plate
- folding chair
- skinny dipping
- dinosaur statue
- journey
- widow
- abandoned house
- cancer
- loss of husband
- father son relationship
- sister sister relationship
- girl
- grief
- loss
- houselessness
- poem
- working class
- ghost town
- seasonal worker
- manual labor
- sleeping in a van
- loner
- cold weather
- recreational vehicle
- based on book
- female frontal nudity
- female nudity
- female full frontal nudity
- title directed by female
- title written by female
- triple f rated
- nudity
- pubic hair
- female pubic hair
- one word title
- toilet
Nomadland Cast & Characters
Frances McDormand leads the cast as Fern, with Linda May as Linda and Bob Wells as Bob. Directed by Chloé Zhao; 13 actors are credited in all.
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Director Chloé Zhao
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Frances McDormand as Fern -
Linda May as Linda -
Bob Wells as Bob -
Swankie
Also Starring in Nomadland
· 9 more- David Strathairn Dave
- Angela Reyes Angela
- Carl R. Hughes Carl
- Douglas G. Soul Doug
- Gay DeForest Gay
- Karie Lynn McDermott Wilder Karie
- Patricia Grier Patty
- Ryan Aquino Ryan
- Teresa Buchanan Teresa
More from Chloé Zhao
More films directed by Chloé Zhao, best-rated first: Hamnet, The Rider, Songs My Brothers Taught Me and Eternals.
Nomadland Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Nomadland 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 87 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).
Nomadland Echo Score Breakdown
Nomadland offers a contemplative and emotionally resonant portrait of life on the margins, anchored by thoughtful direction and a powerful central performance. Critics applaud its authentic depiction of dispossessed travellers and its poignant commentary on modern economic hardship, while many viewers admire the understated visual style and thematic depth. A subset of users note the film’s deliberate pacing may feel too slow and the narrative unconventional. Overall, Nomadland delivers a quietly immersive experience that resonates strongly for those receptive to its meditative rhythm.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, Nomadland’s direction and cinematography are widely praised for their restrained elegance and immersive realism. Reviewers highlight the film’s understated color palette, naturalistic compositions, and seamless editing that underscore the nomads’ environments. Even skeptics acknowledge the striking visual textures and sweeping landscapes, despite critiquing the extended takes. Overall, the film’s visual design and technical execution provide a compelling framework for its narrative.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character and emotion, Nomadland excels through Frances McDormand’s nuanced performance and its empathetic portrayal of supporting individuals. Critics note the subtle depth and compassionate chemistry that bring authenticity to each encounter. A few viewers feel the titular character’s restrained demeanor limits dramatic intensity, yet most praise the film’s ability to reveal hidden resilience and vulnerability in its protagonists. In sum, the character work offers a moving exploration of human perseverance.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of story and flow, Nomadland embraces a deliberate, episodic structure that foregrounds authenticity over conventional narrative drive. Critics commend its stirring social commentary and engaging portrayal of contemporary hardship, while some viewers find the pacing sluggish and the plot cohesion loose. The film’s naturalistic rhythm may challenge expectations of traditional momentum, yet it persistently reflects the characters’ lived experiences. Overall, the narrative offers a measured, reflective journey rather than a fast-moving plot.
- Sensory Experience 85
When evaluating sensory experience, Nomadland delivers a rich auditory and visual tapestry that complements its thematic depth. Reviewers praise the understated score and natural sound design that enhance the film’s intimacy, alongside its cohesive visual style of vast horizons and detailed close-ups. A minority comment on the bleak terrain, but most appreciate the evocative imagery and thoughtfully integrated music. Ultimately, the sensory elements reinforce the film’s emotional impact and immersive atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Regarding rewatch value, Nomadland’s thematic resonance and emotional subtlety offer meaningful layers on repeat viewings. Critics suggest that the film’s meditative pacing and authentic character moments reward attentive observation, while some viewers caution that its understated narrative may lose impact over time. Despite this, the film’s portrayal of resilience and its visual poetry encourage reflective revisit. In conclusion, Nomadland retains lasting appeal for audiences drawn to its contemplative style and humanistic focus.
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IMDb 7.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 93% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 82%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 87 Metascore
User score 7.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 72% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.8 /5
3K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Nomadland Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Nomadland from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Full summary
The whole story of Nomadland, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Nomadland Box Office & Budget
Nomadland grossed $39.5 million worldwide on a $5 million budget, 7.9 times what it cost. $3.7 million came from the US and Canada and $35.8 million (91%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$39.5M
7.9× its budget
- US & Canada
- $3.7M
- International
- $35.8M
- Budget
- $5M
Nomadland Awards & Nominations
Nomadland won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture and Actress in a Leading Role, and 19 awards in all. Its biggest night was the BAFTA 2021, with 4 wins from 7 nominations.
19 wins31 nominations8 ceremonies
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BAFTA 2021 4 wins · 7 nominations- Won Best Actress in a Leading Role – Frances McDormand
- Won Best Cinematography
- Won Best Director – Chloé Zhao
- Won Best Film
- Nominated Best Adapted Screenplay – Chloé Zhao
-
Critics' Choice 2021 4 wins · 6 nominations- Won Best Adapted Screenplay – Chloé Zhao
- Won Best Cinematography
- Won Best Director – Chloé Zhao
- Won Best Picture
- Nominated Best Actress – Frances McDormand
-
Spirit Awards 2021 4 wins · 5 nominations- Won Best Cinematography
- Won Best Director – Chloé Zhao
- Won Best Editing – Chloé Zhao
- Won Best Feature
- Nominated Best Female Lead – Frances McDormand
-
Oscars 2021 3 wins · 6 nominations- Won Actress in a Leading Role – Frances McDormand
- Won Best Picture
- Won Directing – Chloé Zhao
- Nominated Cinematography
- Nominated Film Editing
Show all 8 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Golden Globes 2021 2 wins · 4 nominations- Won Best Director – Chloé Zhao
- Won Best Motion Picture – Drama
- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actress) – Frances McDormand
- Nominated Best Screenplay – Chloé Zhao
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DGA Awards 2021 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Feature Film – Chloé Zhao
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Actor Awards (SAG) 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Frances McDormand
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TIFF 2020 1 win · 1 nomination- Won People's Choice Award – Chloé Zhao
Nomadland Trailers & Videos
28 videos: 4 trailers, 3 teasers, 2 clips, 16 featurettes and 3 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Trailer NOMADLAND | Official Trailer
- Trailer Nomadland | New Trailer
- Trailer NOMADLAND | Official Trailer 2 | In Theaters and on Hulu February 19
- Teaser NOMADLAND | Official Teaser Trailer | Searchlight Pictures
How Well Do You Know Nomadland?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What event causes Fern to embark on her journey?
Cars in Nomadland
32 cars on screen, including the 2003 Ford E-Series and the 2003 Chevrolet Express.
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2003 Ford E-Series Featured role -
2003 Chevrolet Express Important role -
2000 Dodge Ram Van Minor role -
E-Z-Go TXT Minor role
Nomadland Also Known As
27 alternative titles, including “浪跡天地” and “无依之地”.
- Also known as
-
- 浪跡天地
- 无依之地
- Nomadland: Sobreviver na América
- 노매드랜드
- Göçebe Diyarı
- سرزمین خانهبهدوشها
- Земя на номади
- Země nomádů
- 游牧人生
- Земля кочівників
- Земля кочевников
- A nomádok földje
+15 more Show fewer
- ノマドランド
- Klajoklių žemė
- Krajina Nomádov
- Nomadland - Sobreviver na América
- Η Χώρα των Νομάδων
- ארץ נוודים
- Zemlja nomada
- Dežela nomadov
- Земља номада
- Đất Du Mục
- โนแมดแลนด์
- أرض الرحّالة
- Klejotāju zeme
- سرزمین آوارهها
- Nomaadimaa
Seen Nomadland?
Movies Like Nomadland
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Lost in America, Land and The Short History of the Long Road.
Articles About Nomadland
2 articles about Nomadland. The latest: “The Rise of Female Filmmakers in Contemporary Cinema”.
Nomadland FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Nomadland, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Nomadland?
Nomadland runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).
When was Nomadland released?
Nomadland was released on December 4, 2020.
Who directed Nomadland?
Nomadland was directed by Chloé Zhao.
More films by Chloé Zhao Who is in the cast of Nomadland?
Nomadland stars Frances McDormand as Fern, Linda May as Linda and Bob Wells as Bob, among 13 credited actors.
How much did Nomadland make at the box office?
Nomadland grossed $39.5 million worldwide ($3.7 million domestic, $35.8 million international) on a budget of $5 million.
How is Nomadland rated?
Nomadland has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 87 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.
What awards did Nomadland win?
Nomadland won 19 awards from 31 nominations, including Best Actress in a Leading Role at the BAFTA 2021.
Does Nomadland have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Nomadland has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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