Nomadland

Chloé Zhao's 2021 film follows Fern, who starts living in a van after her town closes down. She works seasonal jobs. On the road she meets people living similar lives. The film joins documentary to fiction; the narrative builds no large event and carries its loss quietly. Apart from Frances McDormand many of those on screen genuinely live that life. The film won three Academy Awards including best picture and director. It was criticised for showing a large company's working conditions softly. Who it's for: those who like quiet, observational films. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a plot; the film deliberately builds none.