My sister-in-law is “semi nomadic.” She spends her winters in a white camper van she’s been customizing, wandering about in Arizona. During the spring and summer she lives in the apartment attached to our house drives for Über and when she’s made enough money she does her nomad thing in the Pacific Northwest. She’s got the best of both worlds.
Nomadland: I'm sorry if this is a bit long I don't know another way to tell it. I almost didn't watch the movie because I thought it would just be a cautionary tale about becoming a nomad or something. But Fern's story is about much more than that and so close to my own story that it hurt a little. In a way I was born a nomad as I grew up a military brat. A learned early that home can be anywhere. I met my late husband (also a military brat) at 16 and we married 4 months after I graduated college. We tried traditional life but in a few years itchy feet took us to the arctic of Alaska with our 2 young children.. and then a 3rd. They were our best 8 years. Then my husband got sick and the doctors said that if he wanted to see his kids grow up that he should go on disability. We moved back to the "Lesser 48" to be near hospitals and family. I became Mrs. Dad and he Mrs. Mom as he could watch the kids while I taught school. He lived long enough to see the 2 girls married and 1 grand child born but passed at 50 when our son was just in 8th grade. I miss him still after 6 years. After taking care for him all those years then my dad needed me. Now they are both gone. I'm stuck dealing with a mess with my dad's probate and a brother that now I have to also watch out for financially. I'm trying to make it through another 4 or 5 years to get retirement but continually feel the pull to hit the road and run. I won't have a lot but I figure I can get a decent van... build it out and have a little cushion with my retirement and SS. I may even be able to teach online with some planning. So there was much in this movie that reached me. I've spent decades caring and worrying over others... still am. I'm ready to be done with that and be me. Oh... did I mention that after all that I discovered at 54 that I was adopted... so I truly did begin life as a nomad and not just because of growing up in the military.
Your story is very much like my own. I too was adopted. I too nursed my ailing mother until she passed when I was 16, then took care of others along with always earning my own living. I’m 58 now and though still in an enviable career position, I feel the pull of the road and freedom from constantly caring for others. I own four (yes 4) vintage travel trailers that I’ve restored and also own vacant land. I COULD chuck it all and go if I wanted but, alas, I’ve rescued 15 animals that now call me mom. No way that I know of to travel with that many. So I stay and try to make it through.
To me, Nomadland movie represents "broken dreams." But this movie shows that there is hope and that you can find happiness. I cried because it reminded me of all my broken dreams.
I wouldn’t say broken dreams as much as dreams realized! I discovered that Vanlife existed thanks to Covid…..days on end sitting around watching RUclips videos with my new wife. Just got married, bought a business and a new home. The dream! Watching all of these special people enjoy a life that is anything but traditional tugged at my soul. The next two years were rough as we lost our business and our home. We did relocate and revive the lost business but in a different form. I thought I was happy, but missed traveling. In the end, my marriage came to an unfortunate end but I did take possession of one of our delivery vans. I’ve traveled across the country in the name of adventure, but was always called back home by an aging parent. So now I’m taking care of mom while building out and restoring my home on wheels. Can’t wait to meet some of you folks on the road! Until then, safe travels!
The character, Fern, had so many opportunities to change course and go down a more conventional path yet chose to live on her own terms. I admire that. And I admire you.
@@Mexicobeanpole how do you gain financial independence? There’s many different routes, sure, but all routes involve giving up LARGE portions of your time, mental, emotional, and spiritual self. Years of sacrifice. Freedom is a state of mind, whether you’re running the rat race to so called “financial freedom” or nomad living.
wow, mate does think long-term people in 40s or 50 get jobs today grow up as an older guy who is looking for any jobs going I m getting discrimination against us and with covid now place they see us as a thread to young gen.
You said: "many opportunities to change course..." Don't agree that the main character had many "opportunities"--her choices were definitely limited and constrained.
@@kenc2257 yeah, i think OP means that she had "opportunities" as in living a normal working class life. She had family that would take her in, it's not what fern would want but she could have accepted. That's what op means is how she decided to do her own thing instead of what would be more conventional and "normal"
I loved to hear your point of view on this movie. I live in a sailboat in Brazil with my wife and there are a lot of similarity between those two lifestyles. I loved the movie, it is real good, but I felt it pictured this life a little more sad and dark than the way I and the people we know see it, but of course, my angle is not the only one. Best regards 😀
I’m glad the movie didn’t glamorize our lifestyle. That said I haven’t been happier since I became home-free. Maybe it’s just the nomads I hang with but we do a lot of dancing and laughing.
@@broella6493 thats how i felt about it . been fulltime on the road in a 5 window short bus with my dog since oct 1st 2019 and still going strong !! I enjoy fulltime nomad life way more than fern does but it takes time , and for everybody it takes different amounts of time
@@broella6493 you would think . ive met alot of travelers in vans,buses,rvs,box trucks . most people have some type of animal . alot of people ive met that dont have animals usually drink alot or party hard .
@@broella6493 To me the movie is about the process of dealing with grief, and the idea that there's no healthy way to run away from the painful process. I think Fern will eventually become more carefree, or at least less grief-stricken.
Life is about living not spend you're life working at least not to make others Rich paying for real state. finding good friends that have something in common is not easy most of as have a good partner till is gone and that is what this movie is all about dealing whit that let your only friend go
It really struck an emotional cord “The Real Value” of ones life is not measured by things, rather memories. Living and making memories. I’ve been very fortunate to have come from being raised in a foster home, and working my entire life, college, excellent financial rewards, only to discover that the ol saying live to work - brought me much less joy. My career doesn’t define me My “Things” doesn’t define me My happiness is Freedom from those THINGS. AS Carolyn always says Be Free It ended well, and I found myself in tears identifying with so much about grief, loss, letting go and moving forward in life. Loss and grief can be sooo many things and this has nailed it for everyone to individually assess what one identifies with. One can be free without being irresponsible. There’s a wealth of information and inspiration out there. THIS movie (true story) is proof. ❤️
@@lisahertel2415 I said "the best things in life aren't things". Do you see any mention of evil in there? No? Me neither. No further Straw Man Arguments, please. BTW I have no vehicle. We tried van life for 6 months in the SW USA in 2018/2019. It was okay, but we sold it and went back to slow-travel overseas. More variety and less expensive.
It's not so easy to get freedom and even when your there you still have responsibilities to yourself, your family,your partner, your pet, your home. Otherwise we are homeless. From what I hear - there is no freedom in homelessness. Downsizing is the key to freedom.
@@gabevachon326 I'm with you, Gabe. Fantine should have just worked extra hours at Valjean's factory to support her daughter. Bob Cratchit is a whiner for wanting more heat in the office. If he doesn't like it, he should take his family to Nevada and teach. Some people!
Just finished watching it. Like so many others commented, it made me sad. I am currently living with my parents at 56 years old. Sleeping in a recliner in the living room with all the stuff I have left in the world in storage. Raised 3 kids of my own then my ex-boyfriends daughter. Work as a cashier and can’t even afford an apartment. Don’t know how I got here.....
That is tough, and heartbreaking. I know it does not make things better but the fact is you are not alone. There are so many people who look back on their life and ask "what the hell happened to me that has put me in this situation". I hope you never give up hope.
Just a cautionary piece of advice from someone who has lived the life; keep your Van in good mechanical shape, and do something to break the monotony and claustrophobia that can occur when the weather turns sour on you.
I liked it. I thought the scene of Fern and her sister talking in the bedroom was powerful. The statement about being brave enough to be yourself and how when you leave family you leave a hole in someone’s life.
That hit me as well. I was the one who bucked convention and did all sorts of things that I’m sure the naysayers envied on some level because I was bold enough to escape the abuse.
Yes, hit me too. My little brother (52 y/o and 14 yrs my junior) told me recently how devastated he was when I left to go into the Air Force. At 5 years old sadly watched my car disappear down the road. I think he's still upset.
and as a parent the BEST thing you can be is not needy of your kids and family but bring inspiration, joy and more. People remember how ypou make them feel, not your material posessions or accomplishments. Nomadism is tribal, seasonal and not about ranking people but linking people (to me.)
I agree. I come from an alcoholic family....my sister wanted to be left alone to drink, several hundred miles away from my other sister. My other sister kept trying to stop her but to no avail. My alcoholic sister finally died last year......sometimes we leave our families and loved ones because we can't reconcile ourselves to accept how they live their lives....good or bad ....or ....both.
I was absolutely struck by the powerful emotion portrayed by Chloe Zhao with this film. Her ability to observe and interpret America in this way was miraculous. 🌟 As an American born in Arizona, I cannot imagine moving to China for few years and then attempting to make a film based on contemporary change. Even from a book. Then to write a screenplay from a popular book, direct and edit a film that wins the very top honors! As well as directing a world class actress to stellar results as well...Unbelievable achievement!!🌹 The music, visuals, pacing and build of Nomadland was exceptional!
My interpretation was of her grief of losing her husband and of staying in a lifestyle she didn’t belong in anymore. I loved that she was able to let go and go on a trip of self discovery.
The scene between Fern and her sister - "You were always more brave and honest" - that line hit me. Really loved the film, the melancholy and the solitude of it all, and appreciated your commentary. Thank you.
Collective grief is a perfect way to describe the way we feel as a whole in our country during Covid 19 and how we watched our government decline while we all lived best we can when the incomes did not keep up with the costs of living and savings are harder and harder to create in order to protect against crisis of all kinds.
I've learned a lot about living in my motor home here in Texas under over a foot of snow, no water, no heat, roads iced over. Whole state basically shut down. But, thanks to watching BOb, you, and several others in vans, RV's skoolies I was able to cope and handle the situation. I do have a space heater so didn't freeze in the negative digit temps. Snow is melting now, yeaaaaaaa. First day of sun in 10 days. Yall rock and teach us so much about this life style!
I'm so glad you are coping and have a motor home. It sounds horrible in Texas. At least here in Maine we have wood stoves, warm clothes and enough snow and ice to melt for water if we need to. Stay warm and safe. Glad the sun was out!
Geez i’m looking around to see if I can see you lol. The only thing different is God blessed me with heat. Don’t have water yet but I will tomorrow. It did my heart good to see the snow melting and the sun was absolutely beautiful! Stay safe out there...
Survived the Texas freeze here in Lakehills TT resort. The electricity was spotty. Water lines bursting. Had a full propane tank and had winterized my RV for the first time. Deer everywhere. Nice to have sun yesterday and looking forward to warm weather forthcoming. Praying for those still struggling to find water and heat. 🙏🏼💜
I have a young friend in Texas and she had no clue! She’s young in her 20’s with her spouse. I gave her lots of tips for water (melt snow) and heat (she had a fire place but no clue how to use it or how to build a fire) and energy for light and charging devices thanks to watching Bob, nomads, bush crafting videos and I was an ex Girl Scout). She has food but it’s getting low and thankfully sounds like the worst is over. But I told her pack as much snow in every container, bags and baggies, bath tub, before the snow melts because the stores are pretty empty and everyone will be lined up to get what they can. Who knows how long until things settle down and are back to “normal”. I’ve shared many videos and she is so grateful because she thought they were going to freeze to death or die of dehydration. Awful that people will have died just because they lacked basic survival knowledge/skills.
I'm not going to lie. In many ways the movie left me feeling depressed. However, I think Fern had it in her to adjust to the lifestyle. My favourite part of the movie was Fern's conversation with Swankie. I think Fern could see that her last days would probably be very similar to Swankie's, but also she learned that it was still possible to find beauty in life, even though she was in a dark place. The scene where she wonders through the tall trees comes to mind. Fern went to say goodbye to her house and maybe her grief as well. Not that she would forget her husband but she would no longer let her memories of him stop her from moving on.
Exactly what I got from it, just as she had said to Bob the view from her kitchen is what made her home special, and we see her drive off toward those mountains, we all lose people we love, we are all mortal, she was going to enjoy what was left like Swankie did. Be careful I got a nasty comment for talking about the end.
That was my take on the ending too, and I think that's why the movie ended where it did. Fern didn't know what she would do next, so neither could we, the audience ... but as she walked out of the frame in that last shot I knew she would be moving forward, in whatever direction she chose.
I agree! I saw the ending as very hopeful. She wasn't going to hold onto the past anymore. She was letting go of the last things she'd been holding onto "just in case," and opening herself to whatever was next. (Not saying she was letting go of the memories or things that still had meaning for her. Just letting go of what didn't really matter anymore.)
I am not a nomad, but I believe these are my people. My sister (also not a nomad) told me she thought the movie was sad. I thought there were sad elements and elements of empowerment. It was much better than I expected it to be.
A little late to the party but I am new to the whole idea of vanlife. Well, new to researching it, we've all heard about those 'hippies living in their van' as a movie trope for years. I enjoyed the movie. I feel it hits a lot closer to home and is a more 'real' portrayal of the life style vs those who aim for only 'the Gram' super shots. Thanks for your insights! Hope to visit you guys (Bob and all) one day.
You described EXACTLY how I felt upon seeing "Nomadland." I mentioned in your last video comments section how unsettling and "grim" it was for me ... and you put it into words: Grief for realizing the American Dream is a lie.
But for Fern, her grief was a bit different in that she was mainly grieving the life with her husband. God, I understand that so much. I, in a sense, saw myself deeply in Fern. So deeply, that it was incredibly unsettling. But good art is supposed to do that and I think people forget that. Life is hard, people die, dreams die and we are left alone to pick up the pieces. Art imitates life....it’s a mirror, an especially unpleasant one when the mirror is our own.
The back drop of sadness we feel is important in that it portrays how we can suddenly experience the peeling of paint... restored to our simplest form, a blank canvas, the paint being our stories peeling away leaving us with the wisdom that only love is a constant, no other promises. This sadness was something I, first hand, felt on my 6 month trip.
Although it had a running theme of grief, my priceless takeaway came from the woman heading to Alaska to die who talked about the precious moments she savored as well as Bob’s purpose for living after his son’s death...living life purposefully! I felt uplifted. Choosing what is important and leaving behind the lives we touched .
I find suicide to be anything but 'priceless' nor is it an act to be lauded or celebrated. If you have actually been unfortunate enough to have had a loved one kill themselves, you would not be uplifted.
Not necessarily. It really depends on the angle in which you are watching! I found both to be interesting characters but by no means the complete story! I believe it was one way this story could go. Our life lived is but one example of how it could be lived. Choose God and you will find your path!
It was so well done, brilliantly captured emotionally and physically, thought provoking, heart wrenching , intensely precise and detailed, it felt and sounded so familiar. Francis McDormand was incredible as always , Bob , Sue and the crew were so on point. The only thing lacking was a sequel 😀.And of course it was great to see our favorite Nomad Carolyn on another screen 📺
I watched the movie three times in a row and within the first ten minutes felt the pangs of emotions realizing life in America as we knew it was disappearing. I do not own a house. I have been living in my horse trailer on someone else’s property for three plus years. There is so much uncertainty now, how can I survive, where is our country going, I am getting older. Bottom line, though, this is the happiest I have been in many years. Reading the book was a reality check on how hard life really is.
your right about life in america disappearing.. you can thank ronald reagan for getting that started in the 80's with tax cuts that benefit the rich and with trumps that benefited he most wealthy.. finally we have a real president in Joe Biden to get things back on track.. glad you are happy as that is the most important part of life.. go in peace..
What I got from the movie was grief, loss, and uncertainty in the beginning..Fern is forced to leave behind a life that was safe and comfortable and step out into the unknown. Along the way she meets and makes friends with people who have their own problems. You can see her uncertainly as each friend leaves or moves on. Then you see Fern start to enjoy herself. She learns to be self sufficient and while she and David enjoy each other’s company she realizes his need for comfort no longer matches her desire for the unknown. Her happiness exudes as she braces against the ocean spray and then she returns to Empire to finally let go of her past. Memories stay with you forever. Material things are baggage.
Wow!!!! I've been watching you for 5 years now??!! Holy cow. Good for you to keep it going, and also keeping us entertained & keeping us educated! Alright, now I gotta finish watching you. Oh, & I've also seen how much your subscribers have gone up since I first subbed. Good job!!! Have a great day Carolyn😊
I watched it earlier today, I really appreciate your take on it. I found myself on the verge of tears a couple of times. It was very political for me because I've worked with women who have lost everything. I felt that Fern is a strong person, she had several options to get back into a house, but she chose to stay on the road. I can appreciate the isolation she was seeking. There is freedom in getting away from things and people that want to tie you down because they can't appreciate that freedom from behind their own cell bars.
Or to quote another great movie I recently watched: “I was looking for the key for years But the door was always open” ― Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger
I watched it yesterday morning and my immediate take was that it was kind of dark, sad and as you say, unsettling. Glad to see your comments that point out it was one story, and a soft handed (not in your face) commentary on the effects long term of the crash of 08 and the end of the American Dream. As a retired history teacher, I know that dream was born in WWII as the home front was pressed into service for the war effort. It was fueled by the GI Bill, which, let's face it, was designed to let veterans gradually reenter the work force and push women out of it in order to avoid the post war depression repeat from after WWI. But by 1960 it was woven into the culture. The American Dream was captured and perpetuated by the advertising industry and partly fueled a booming economy. It started to stumble with stagflation in the early to mid 70s and was then re-ignited by the computer boom and the dot economy at the last bit of the century. But even planned obsolescence couldn't keep it going. Earnings for labor had plateaued and debt had become a way of life. (EZ credit, I'm lookin' at you.) And, well the American Dream proved to be a soap bubble. So here we are. Having said all that (sorry to be so long, but once a teacher, always a teacher, it seems) I want to add my story. I am retired, 60 something and an artist. I am sincerely tired of having to be in one spot; ie wherever my apartment is. I want to see and do more and I want to paint it all. I bought an RV in October and spent the winter on You Tube University.. then got delayed in my start date by a broken leg; right in front of my apartment. But when I become weight bearing I will set out for adventure. I am not forced into a less expensive lifestyle, really. I can get by in a midwest apartment and be a local grandma, which is great, but somehow not enough. I guess I want to travel and see things.. and yes, paint them and the people along the way. So, yeah.. a million stories in the naked city; and beyond.
Very well said. Just tore my ACL so I empathize with your situation. Good luck on your near future travels. Start a RUclips so you can keep us all apprised.
Well said. I love the reference to the University of RUclips, lol. Been steadily entrenched there for several years, but don't see a graduation day in sight. Thinking I might want to take a few art or photography classes, you know, in case the opportunity presents itself...when I get out on that lonesome trail.
First of all. I have been watching Cheap RV Living for overv4 years, I never knew the back story, I was in shock with Bob Wells humble work with people in need. I 💗'd the movie.
Just watched it, enjoyed it and yes it's a story of grief and change. It's one story among many more and well done. I look forward to reading the book. There are many more nomad stories to be told with different life styles. Your channel and Bob Wells has been a real inspiration for my partner and I and we are *this* close to make it happen :) Thank you so much.
Hi Carolyn, I watched the movie today. I'm a FT RVer traveling the country with my three cats. I'm a sociologist and researcher who traded in my high-profile career and house for the RV lifestyle, and it's been an amazing experience. I found Nomadland to be a tad depressing and I don't think it will encourage any to sign up for van life after watching the day-to-day struggles. One of the scenes that really struck me was Fern's conversation with the sister and her realtor husband and friends - maybe it was the only time it hit that political edge. The realtors who wished they had invested in real estate when things were crashing in 2008-09, without any regard for the victims of the housing and banking industry, like Fern and the town of Empire. It's a dark movie. While there are moments of lightness, as you mentioned, there's that aloneness that many of us experience. And sometimes that aloneness in nature is a true source of joy. That's hard to capture. Really enjoyed your take on the movie and congrats on being an "extra." How cool is that! Perhaps we can meet down the road? I'm living a comfortable RV life compared to the Ferns on the road. Be well!
7:21 i agree and im a female janitor and i have no idea how many countless times ive been cleaning a man public restroom for a man to barge in and completely ignore me lolllllll it was so surreal seeing an everyday event on the big screen 😂
I just watched it tonight. I thought it was really good. Fern seemed to start in grief, but met some really good people on the road, seemed to find peace in her solitude. I liked her time with Linda Mae and Swanky and it seemed like the visit with her sister when her sister said "you were always the braver, adventurous one. Honest and insightful." Seemed like she realized then, this was the life she wanted. Travel, adventure, good true friends when you can see them again. Live your life instead of only in your memories.
Upon reflection I see the main character Fern as someone afraid to experience what was normalcy again, and to some extent fully cope with her past losses. Her desire to avoid a return to what she once knew as a fulfilling life with a loving husband and a life she loved before predicated on a home, roots in a community, a sense of belonging, and stable relationships demonstrated she is stuck in a perpetual state of despair, unable to fully recover. She hasn't found a new rewarding life she has found a way to simply exist without unbearable sadness and depression.
Fern was sad. She lost her spouse, home, way of life. But she was also learning about herself and others on a whole different level than you do in sticks and bricks. I to have lost homes, financial banking exploitation 25 years ago and most recently during the recession. When my first home went through a quick sale my friend said that I had lived the American dream and that now was the time for me to live my dream. Still working on that as dreams change. That's what the movie was about. Dreams changing whether you want them to or not. Finding yourself many times over. Discovering community and solitude. Living life.
The American Dream to me in the last few years is like that iconic picture of the donkey with a carrot hanging over his head, walking in circles in the grain barn always reaching for the carrot and never getting it....
I saw the movie and felt the overwhelming grief. It was unsettling. I also got the aloneness, which I feel intensified the grief message. But I know there’s another side. There’s joy, too. I’m 61 and I lived on the road in the 70’s, as I also did the rat race and lost a house. But as a single mom of 5 kids, I always longed for the freedom, the creativity that the nomad life allowed. Being alone is good, but as a nomad, there are communities you can join and you don’t have to be alone. It’s your choice. There is where the true attraction is. Take back your choice.
I really appreciate you sharing from your personal view. You are incredibly well-spoken and I genuinely found your insight thought-provoking. Wonderful to see you living your authentic life ♥️
Carolyn, I think your review hits the mark perfectly. As a woman on the edge of the nomadic life myself, I'm exactly where Fern is at the start of the movie. It won't be my first time living on the road, but it will be my first time to go it alone. I've watched Nomadland twice now, and both times when I got to the end I was moved to tears. Thank you.
I am 55 now, the movie hit me hard, I feel that it could easily be me, which is both terrifying and enticing. I have worked, raised kids and barely have anything to show for it. I lived out of my car when I was younger, at that time I felt free and independent and also scared, ashamed and desperate at times. The choice to leave it all, the open road, the call of the wild will always be my siren song, but I am not naive enough to believe it is easy. All the best to you!.
Hi, Peg. Like one woman commented, she went to the University of RUclips and got educated to vanlife reality. So true for many of us before taking the leap.
Hello Meg. I left corporate America and enrolled in pastry school at 48. No one wanted to hire me without experience, and I didn't know what to do. Someone told me about seasonal work, changing jobs with the seasons. I took my first seasonal job at 51, and I have been doing it for two years now. Give it a try!!
I understand loss and I lost everything at 50 from Cancer treatment including my retirement and I live alone now. I’m Disabled/Retired nurse. I and my little Rat Terrier RUGER are my best friend! I never settled with a partner. My time is my own and I love the outdoors and hiking! And I’m happy! I live in a Park Model home in Oregon recovering from Cancer! I like a home base but am very much a lone soul! But it didn’t seem there was much fun in it! You seem to make much more of the lifestyle!🤗💗💗💗💗 You should’ve had a bit more in the movie!
The people who live the nomad lifestyle for financial reasons, there is not much fun in it, not everyone can create a viable youtube channel for extra income that allows travel and a free lifestyle, so I am glad they showed the reality of that life for most people. You sound like a wonderful soul and Ruger sounds like a handful, stay safe, and know you do have an internet community of friends when you feel the need for human companionship. 🤗
Wow, your story sounds like mine except I started my cancer journey 10 yrs ago. Yeah, losing that retirement dough sure does suck but that didn't stop me from hitting the road with my hubby. I found an awesome oncologist here in Arizona. Since everyone is doing telehealth now having a doc being a tad away from you is possible. Good luck with your recovery, it's nice to grow hair back even though the texture and color are different 🤗
@@mariawilson2997 Hi Maria, I'm touched by your strength in the face of cancer and am glad you're doing well. Could you clarify what you mean by "losing that retirement dough"? Are you and Lorriedawn22 referring to your 401K, IRA, GIA, or other non-Soc Sec retirement funding? If so, was it as simple as cashing out to pay for your cancer treatments? When that's gone do you also end up giving up your Soc Sec to pay medical bills?
@@RonSeesAmerica in my case, I had to cash in my pension buy my rig. It wasn't very much but it would have kept accumulating had I left it where it was. I am now on disability so not making the salary I once was. The bills are beyond control but we can't let the thought of hospital bills bring us down. It's what you have to do when you're a long term cancer survivor. Thanks for asking!
@@mariawilson2997 Thank you so much for taking a moment to respond, Maria. What about Soc Sec, when the time comes? Can it be seized in any way to pay medical debts so that you lose that too? I mean beyond your own management of where it goes?
At 11:36 in your video, I had an epiphany!!! I've always known the truth about the 'American dream' which doesn't exist. But to hear someone verbally make that assessment is refreshing. I'm a 51 year old man who worked hard in corporate America and successfully 'made it'. However, a few missteps and 2008 market crash sent my life into a whirl spin, which I never recovered from. It was then, that I realized that the American dream was one big lie. I've transitioned into a minimalist, by slowly detaching from material items. I hope to one day soon experience the life of freedom. Thank you for your video.
James, yes!!! See this is exactly what I'm talking about. We do everything we're told to do.. we get educated (or not), get the job, work hard, save, buy a house, a car, a second car... and then something happens that's not our doing and BAM. it's gone. We're screwed. Everything we worked for is wiped out and we either a) have to start all over doing the same thing we'd been doing or b) do something else. I'm sorry this happened to you too and congratulate you for using the experience as a reset. I hope you're finding happiness and contentment in your new minimalist life.
I think it was filmed in pieces the way it is, because that's the way it feels out here. It's got its own timing not necessarily a smooth flow. The markers of time are different for a nomad.
I totally agree with this. When I ran away from an abusive marriage and lived in my SUV, I tried to keep a regular routine but if even one thing, like a short day of p/t work, occurred and I had unscheduled down time I was thrown into a feeling of chaos and desolation. I don’t know that I ever would have gotten used to that part of the life.
@@DMills-un1tl .. food for thought... what to do with alone/down time? Probably would help to make several trial experiences before deciding full-time vanlife.
Just finished watching it. I am not a nomad, follow on you tube, I am a survivor. The film was perfect. Such an artistic, poetic film, I would write pages on what touched me. Bravo.
I didn’t realize it was about a woman who lost her husband. It will be interesting to watch. My husband passed away 12/23/20. We spent years planning to hit the road, and then he was diagnosed with cancer 2 months after purchasing our RV. As soon as I get my vaccines, I’m hitting the road solo to grieve, but will still try to fulfill our dreams. My story is different but I’m really interested to see how Fran dealt with the grief.
It's a tough and beautifully moving movie about Fern's journey, and the focus is on that and the ways she finds to heal her Self within different nomad communities, not specifically about the nomad life itself.
@@thewunder-lusters9644 I watched it last night. It struck many chords in terms of a healing journey. One thing I loved was that she was true to her self. She is resilient in her quest to be independent and following her gut. She could have given up by well-meaning unsolicited advice from her sister, Dave and the van repair guy. I really admired her tenacity.
I think the only reason it needed to picture “Fern” in that way is that she’s grieving a lot of loss, her husband, home, job....anyone with that much loss who tries to take on big change will struggle, regardless of your lifestyle!
Hi Carolyn. I'm so glad that I caught this video because I had an adverse reaction to Nomadland and the feeling of estrangement I had to what so many people, my friends and the film critics and apparently a large part of the general film watching public thought was amazing was personally unsettling for me. Like many others in the nomad community I thought the movie was too dark and depressing and did not reflect my experience, (with the exception of the grinding miserable work of the beet harvest!) I was so disappointed I actually stopped watching halfway through. A friend of mine who is not a nomad who absolutely loved the movie convinced me to watch it all the way through, and I did and I'm glad I did but I still had mixed feelings. Watching your video, listening to your take on it with the emphasis on the fact that it is one story, not everyone's story, brought me a sense of peace. I now feel it's okay that Fern's story is her own and I can look at the movie more objectively and not need it to reflect my experience which is much more cheerful, as for me it's a choice for freedom as it is for you. Thank you for your perspective, you've broadened my appreciation for the film which I wanted so much to enjoy. I'm going to watch it again with a more open heart. Thank you Carolyn.
@@rockn997 did we watch the same movie? They *were* having a good time and there were so many moments of beauty and joy even while some things were going wrong
I enjoyed the movie. I thought the nomad story was the story used to highlight the disposability of people in our society. Whether age, gender illness, etc.,once one is considered not viable to economic/corporate growth they are pushed aside with few options. Glad people have begun to teach successful and happy nomadic living as an alternative to disposability. Just a quick take.
@@gabevachon326 Fern was doing the van life by choice, and her husband died after a long illness, long enough to go broke. I don’t remember the college education but you could be correct. True she may not have saved enough but the other stories around the fire and the 2008 sub prime scam on homeowners speaks for itself. The system does treat workers as expendable FACT.
@@gabevachon326 Nomadland is now banned in China, it's not so much about "America bad" it's about company towns and healthcare systems that are inefficient for the PEOPLE, and uber-patriotism that can't take ANY criticism is BAD, be that bad things in China or bad things in the US. What is the economy for? It's for Trade, the people's welfare, good ideas for those things. The economy is NOT for just a few people getting rich extracting from the majority.
@@gabevachon326 wow I am glad you have been so cushioned from life that you have seemingly always had the choice to move from under the troll bridge and yet have good healthcare, never have to caregive, or get by on TUTORING ( Fran said she taught but the scene in the grocery store was with someone she tutored, not high paid, nevermind relicensing in another state if she did have a degree ). Anyway you haven’t answered any of my above questions about Uber-patriotism both in the US and China that cannot take any criticism to IMPROVE, nor the purpose of the economy. Buhbye
@@gabevachon326 “oh a nice life with Dave” ... so you think it’s a sweet option to choose domestic servitude for security? Or wait... is there prostitution in the deal? Or is your objection really about a woman’s place? No adventure for you Fern! No risk for you Fern! No, no! You need a weak man who doesn’t know what he wants and is dependent on his son and emotionally dependent on your unpaid labor Fern... again! I thought the US is about freedom that includes being accountable for taking risks, including ones that allow for criticism to attain AN EQUITABLE system for ALL, not just armchair “d-heads”
I was able to see Nomadland in September at a film festival. And I have thought about it so many times since. I took away the idea of strong women and people being able to choose their own fates despite rough circumstances around them. The grief being unbearable for so many that would want to just stay in a nice warm house and put their blankets over their heads but these people choose to see the world and keep going. I thought it was so brave to face your own mortality by seeing the beauty of the your favorite places on Earth. I think Robin Wright's new movie Land explores grief as well in a different way. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
As a once-upon-a-time van dweller and several time RTR attendee, I think your review is spot on and very thoughtful. My 33 year old daughter who wouldn't dream of being a nomad (but respected my choice) thought the movie was beautiful. So many people don't get alternative lifestyles, I am glad an Oscar nominated film treated this lifestyle in such a caring and thought-provoking way. With six well-deserved Oscar nominations, I expect it will pick up a few.
I just wanna say I think Frances McDormand is an amazing actor...i didnt even know what nomadland was gonna be until i moused over it and saw her name and i knew it was gonna be fantastic.
That's one of the problems. It has been said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results. People should no by now that politicians are part of the main problem. Doesn't matter which party. Our problems will only be solved by us working within small communities and helping one another. I guess the whole system will have to collapse before people realize this. Politicians will only say what they know people want to hear. They do not care about the people, only their cushy jobs of living in luxury. They are all parasites and will continue to lead Americans down the wrong path.
@@matrixabandonedanddissolve9172 The platitudes are always the same, even yours. There are honest, sincere people in politics who do care and don't run for office with an eye to making it a lifelong career, people who stay 20-40+ years, who get VERY rich doing it & don't even live in their district. We need term limits, to stop paying them more than a stipend and reduce the time they spend each year doing the people's business. Study the early, pure time in this country, a time when men who wished to SERVE the people went to Washington. The new power grid of Socialists and Communists in DC is the single biggest threat we have ever faced. If they aren't stopped and stopped fast then our Constitutional Republic WILL cease to be.
@@suzetridesanandalusian8529 The problem is that humans come from a divine source and we were never meant to have rulers. History shows us what happens when politicians and governments rule the world. Nothing good comes of it. Very few good people think they are going to get a job as a politician and change the system but they find the system changes them once they are swimming with the shark. There is even more corruption behind the scenes that we will never see. Good people may be "suicided" when they were actually murdered for going against the powerful at the top. Governments are responsible for mind controlling their people, they are responsible for wars and the genocide and murder of many and yet people keep supporting the mobsters with their votes. People see a lovely charming politician on TV and people think that is the person they are voting for. In reality the person is lying and pretending to be someone else. Just because someone see segments or clips on TV of a person doesn't mean you know these people. Politicians and governments are parasites and they have to keep lying to the people and keep them living in fear in order to keep their money and power. No one personally knows these people or knows what goes on behind the scenes. It really is nothing short of a mafia system and it will continue until people refuse to support this evil. People have to start taking responsibility for them selves and stop expecting government to solve the problems, because they won't. Politicians and government are not there to serve the people but only to control them. It's been going on for centuries and you can see it if you study world history and ancient history. There really seems to be no hope for humanity because of the lack of knowledge so it would seem unless people wake up and question their belief system which came from someone or something else, the system will continue to collapse. The good thing is that more and more evil will be exposed for those to see and if they still continue to support the mafia system then it's on them. These governments demonize other people from other countries in order to divide us when the governments are actually the evil ones. They are always pointing the finger of blame when they are the criminals. Start by reading General Smedley Butler's book, War Is A Racket. It's in pdf online. Then think of the innocent people who have been slaughtered and traumatized in war and this just scratches the surface of torment caused by governments.
I loved the movie. All of you guys felt so *real* and were likeable af. It reminded me of this guy I knew growing up that lived in his van in Venice Beach. If you brought him some food he’d teach you how to surf and talk your ear off about politics and conspiracy shit lol He was awesome and I was sad when he moved to Washington w/ his gf. I don’t think some people realize how much of an impact they can have on other peoples lives just by existing. You probably don’t remember the scrawny teenager that used to bring you Flake burgers but I remember you Crazy Dave 😭🤙🏾
Bob was great also, it is a story of grief but also yes about the American dream, she did move on in the end she walked away from the house where she once lived and drove off into the mountains she used to look out on and wanted to explore.
@@nclare7 Yes, but that doesn't mean you have to tell what the ending was. I was reading it for how people felt about it, not to jump to the ending and tell what that was. The other comments give their opinion of the movie without giving away the ending. Oh well.
@@tinaperez9756 No really? I knew what she was going to do before it happened because I have dealt with a lot of loss in my life starting from a very young age of 7 the only grandparent I knew died, then at 8 a brother, then at 9 another brother, at 12 my best friend, at 22 my dad, and not much later a nephew I loved like my own, the reason I said what I did and it does not spoil the movie, is because CRVL was saying the ending was sad, I say it was hopeful, she made peace and was going to enjoy what was left, she was free. The movie deals with death and loss, if you don't have the foresight of how that plays out , you are truly blessed and shouldn't complain.
@@mjc42701 Sorry you have had so much loss in your life but I think you're reading way too much into my comment. I did say "oh well" at the end of my reply to her because it wasn't a big deal.
I watched the movie today on Hulu and had read the book a couple of years ago. I thought it was a beautifully shot move, especially since it was of locations that I could identify with. I also thought that it was a very emotional, but uplifting movie. All of the folks in the movie had lost a lot, but they were also surviving. But as always, while there were a lot of things that I liked, there were things that I felt were just a bit weak. Folks who have either been full-time or have rubbed shoulders with full-time nomads at the RTRs could follow the plot line, but I’m not sure that my neighbors and family would understand what was going on. For instance while the RTR was mentioned early in the film, at the time Fern declined to go, but then there she was listening to Bob in the desert. It would have been nice to have had some realization that Fern had decided to reach out for help. Some minor things -- when Suanne was holding up the buckets, I’m not sure that my neighbors would realize what that was all about. (Maybe I’ve got dumb neighbors though...) But I do think that there should have been a bit of preparation just before Fran entered the ‘Big Tent’ that she was looking for mobile part-time work. That seemed to me to be an important step in her evolution as a nomad because that meant that her search for income meant that she was planning on surviving and was taking charge of her life. Although I could follow her going into Amazon work, camp host, and beet harvest, I’m not sure that the general public would be able to follow that. Again I felt her progressing into a survivor, but I’m not sure that my neighbors here would understand that. But all in all, I felt that it was a rather poignant and sensitive emotional journey of so many of the folks that I have met in both the RTRs as well as in caravans.
I watched the film last night and LOVED it because it made me FEEL. I have never been a nomad but I’ve watched Bob and you for years which made it even more meaningful. I think that their is a COLLECTIVE GRIEF in our Country and this film tapped in to that for me. Frances was PERFECT for this story. Thanks for your commentary on this film.
Hi carolyn, I want to thank you for introducing me to Bob and this lifestyle, I was in serious contemplations of suicide when I found myself living in my car. I had never heard of Bob but I had to watching you for a while and I don't know why, so when you mentioned Bob I just so happened to hop over.. and when he said I was going to thrive and survive I have it's been a few years nowand I've been incredibly happy and have turned so many people on to both of you. All I have to say again is thank you thank you thank you
i enjoyed it and loved seeing you and Bob in it! It was unsettling somewhat to me also tho. Perhaps it hit too close to home for me, my age and where i am in life. I dont know.
Very unsettling in my core. I have felt that aloneness on the road. The most uplifting shot for me was at the ocean towards the end. I cried and I smiled. I can so relate. I have called my van my home for almost 2 years now, I still feel like a beginner. I met you at WRTR as well. You are lovely Carolyn. Been following your lead as well. Thank you.
I'm gonna tell you something right now, regarding "Alone-ness". I'm 61, my husband is a locomotive engineer & he's gone days at a time, then home one day & half a night & gone again. It's been that way for 11 yrs. Our only child is still at home but she teaches school 5 days/week & works at a winery on weekends or goes & spends weekends with her friends, so she's usually just in & out. Everyone in my extended family are always busy or out of town. I HAVE a home & lots of money but I know that if I fell over dead, it would be DAYS before anyone even noticed. I'm here, in a nice home but I could live on a couple eggs & a couple cans of soup every day. LOL
@ Peggy Gibbons What if I die one day and nobody noticed? I have 2 close friends overseas, every day I send them a VERY brief ‘safety email’, and they will reply saying that they are okay too. If they didn’t receive my emails for two consecutive days, they will call my friends in town to check up on me. It has been working great, and I am not concerned about dying unnoticed.
@@alexusa100 That is a great idea that I will use. I have never been afraid of an armed intruder or a ghost or whatever, when I'm home alone for days & nights. I'm afraid of having a stroke or something & I wander around this house with the phone in my hand at all times :(
Some try the lifestyle part time at first , going not far from their homes . It can be a learning process and adventurous . Then when your spouse retires you both can part time it and make better decisions then .
Just finished watching the movie. It presented as a film of grief and a way through the stages of grief. This grief was not solely of the loss of her husband of many years, but also for the death of a town and the community within that town as well as the livelihood from the gypsum factory. The progression of the movie was Fern's journey through the stages of grief. From that grief and the journey, I think she finds herself. She's been with her husband for many years. This journey not only moves her through the stages of grief but also doubles as a journey of self discovery, finding who Fern is, without her husband, town, and community. I also found that though they tried to keep it apolitical, but for me it was very political. You work hard your whole life, raise your children and when all is said, and all taxes paid, you are left with a paltry pension aka social security. I think one of the ladies, I can't remember who, said she did all the right things and is left with something like $550 pension. This is also echoed around the campfire with other nomads I think. Then there is the scene at Fern's sister's house about the guys wishing they were able to "take advantage" of the financial crash of 2008 in the housing market, the very market (banks) that "took advantage" of millions of people. The film depicts a grim reality for many people, even me should I survive my partner. But it also shows an alternative way to live life and be happy, to find oneself through self discovery in nature and solitude as well as within this community of nomads.
Wow, you share the screen with Frances Mcdormand. Two of my favorite girls together on one screen. I can't wait to watch it and I loved how you explained the feelings it brought out in you. I always have your voice in my head when I say be kind to people. You are an inspiration Girl!
From the article I previously posted... "The stories of overwork, underpayment, and unsafe conditions are a constant throughout Bruder’s book. But the film largely looks past these issues. Sure, Nomadland depicts life at an Amazon fulfillment center as tiring, while the sugar beet harvest seems downright dangerous, but Zhao doesn’t give exploitation by employers the same degree of focus that Bruder does. It leaves one to wonder whether the people making the film simply overlooked that key component of Bruder’s book, or whether it was a compromise that had to be accepted in order to film at those real locations."
Thanx for sharing. My wife and I loved the movie and we think it reveals what is important in life. Wabi Sabi, nothing is perfect, nothing is finished, nothing lasts. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and savor it.
Just watched it on Hulu. Really enjoyed it. Frances’ rapport with the nomads is absolutely wonderful. She is a really good actress and really understood her character and life as a nomad. Yes, her story is only one story. Bob was excellent too. Suanne did a nice cameo appearance and was entertaining. Great cinematography, sound and music. Chloe did an awesome job.
I just finished watching Nomadland, and I found it very deep and moving. It's definitely a journey through grief and much more. I still need time to digest it, I think. On a totally different note.... The light in today's video is amazing! So golden and beautiful! I enjoyed hearing you talk about your experience with filming the movie as well as your impressions of it. Thank you!
I had heard about a friend's viewing and she thought it was depressing. So, once I watched the movie, I was able to focus on on the story line. I agree with you, the film shows how Fern deals with her grief process, as a "Nomad". And, I enjoyed seeing and hearing the perspective of other Nomads in the film. I can relate a bit, as I got on the road after about 12-13 years of dealing with chronic illness. Much like Swankie sp?, I didn't want to "die with a sailboat in my driveway:. I've done Workamper jobs and being on the road helps me to heal. I'd say my experiences, both traveling alone or with other Nomads is more upbeat. I wish I'd had my means of earning a living figured out before I got on the road, but it's been part of the adventure. People are so kind and there are so many resources in our community. After seeing this film, I would like to see other perspectives in film, regarding the Nomad life.
It was unsettling - the perspective of Fern’s life - as she came to terms with her life as a widow and worked at her own mindset of homeless vs house less. I have been interested in nomadery for years so none of it was unexpected.
There are so many people that you can't imagine relate to this movie. More than you can ever imagine. She was huff. She was not a quitter. She found a way to find family without being smothered and told how she should live. Nomads are FREE.FREEDOM FREE.
This movie was depressing and sad. It shows how corporate America just uses people and then tosses them away when they aren’t needed anymore. The American dream truly is a nightmare and a complete lie.
thanks for the review! I saw the trailer after a few recommendations online and from friends. But didn't feel like watching a sad movie, I think they need to redo the trailers. But your review did shed some light and interest that me and my wife will go watch it now. We just got a Class B van to explore this beautiful country of ours.
I found your RUclips and a few others after I read Jessica Bruder’s article and her book, and though I seldom post, I’ve been here, checking in, ever since. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your wisdom and also for the videos shot in the beautiful desert and other places. I appreciate your candor, always. Hope you and Sadie are feeling better.
An echo of sadness seemed to follow her in everything was a little depressing, usually these kind of movies are more about the uplifting and healing side that getting out and depending on yourself brings out in most of us.
@@joinjen3854 She left that guest house behind, certainly as a 'forever' option, she might visit, but that'd be about it. I think that once she'd laid her 'ghosts' to rest, she was for going forward.
Because varied impressions of what nomad life is or can be, I understand fully we cannot take one person’s story as representing all nomads. I used to give talks on being transgender and always prefaced by stating my story does NOT represent all. Maybe a by-line at the beginning could inform-“this film only is one person’s story”. I was an extra in 4 movies in Michigan but only made onscreen in one for 10 mins! Hurrah. I loved your review Carolyn! Good going ❤️🌹
Just watched Nomadland tonight - on Hulu. I loved it. At first I was afraid they were going to present nomads as pitiful homeless folk. But that didn’t happen. You’re tight - they did not glamorize the life either. I agree that it was a story of dealing with grief and loss, and healing and life can still have joy and contentment. And peace. And just life. It goes on.
100%! The American Dream is a lie!! My full time RV life is not a choices all together. In my 60’s. Working sense I was 14, paying taxes, raising kids and finding myself caring for my father in his last 5 years of life wiped me out! I was facing life in my care with such a small SSI check. Bob and you gave me a plan and because of that I’ve had a softer landing. It’s hard, lonely at times but doable. This movie was bits and pieces my story. I am grateful. Meeting you and Bob, becoming friends with you and other Nomads has given me strength. Everything you said in this video hit home. Much love and peace 💓✌🏽
I could watch Francis Mcdormand read a phone book. She’s compelling in every film. I really was more tuned into her honesty in her acting than the way the life was portrayed. Covid derailed my planned year on the road so I’m resettled in a house and hopefully I’ll get a chance in the future. The film was a bit too indulgent in the loneliness aspect, but then again it’s the character of Fern that Francis loves to portray. Thanks for the great review. Spot on.
Love you so much, Carolyn! I will comment after I see the movie tonight. Thanks for your input. You and I are so alike (the way we think, life experience, age, etc) it's amazing!!!
There was something really sad watching everyone leave the RTR and Fern being the last to leave. I felt so lonesome for her. Humans are generally pack animals. Is to be a nomad is to be a lone wolf?
Some travel in groups to northern locations in the warm seasons then leave for warmer climate in the winter months . Groups are optional but if safety is a concern may be the way . There are groups who camp in the Colorado mts . Leave periodically to visit places , family then return to the group
Thanks for your video! I enjoyed Nomadland, but felt kind of what you did. It was a little choppy. I also wish they fleshed out other people more too. However, this film was excellent in combining fiction and non fiction to point out social, economic and environmental issues to the masses. All in all, it was a good film.
It occurs to me that to be in this lifestyle, you need to be rather "rootless" to begin with -- no dependent kids, probably no meaningful relationship, etc. That probably makes the people in this life a self-selecting collection of introverts. I doubt an extrovert would be happy.
Yep, Sueann mentioned about 80% of nomads are introverts. They like fellowshiping with others but then at the end of the day are needing or wanting quiet, alone time.
This is a very intelligent review of the movie. Yes. I agree. It's about grief. A 'deep seated' sadness that a lot of people have when their lifestyles were disrupted and ruined because of the greed of others.
My sister-in-law is “semi nomadic.” She spends her winters in a white camper van she’s been customizing, wandering about in Arizona. During the spring and summer she lives in the apartment attached to our house drives for Über and when she’s made enough money she does her nomad thing in the Pacific Northwest. She’s got the best of both worlds.
You're a great sister!
Nomadland: I'm sorry if this is a bit long I don't know another way to tell it. I almost didn't watch the movie because I thought it would just be a cautionary tale about becoming a nomad or something. But Fern's story is about much more than that and so close to my own story that it hurt a little.
In a way I was born a nomad as I grew up a military brat. A learned early that home can be anywhere. I met my late husband (also a military brat) at 16 and we married 4 months after I graduated college. We tried traditional life but in a few years itchy feet took us to the arctic of Alaska with our 2 young children.. and then a 3rd. They were our best 8 years. Then my husband got sick and the doctors said that if he wanted to see his kids grow up that he should go on disability. We moved back to the "Lesser 48" to be near hospitals and family. I became Mrs. Dad and he Mrs. Mom as he could watch the kids while I taught school. He lived long enough to see the 2 girls married and 1 grand child born but passed at 50 when our son was just in 8th grade. I miss him still after 6 years.
After taking care for him all those years then my dad needed me. Now they are both gone. I'm stuck dealing with a mess with my dad's probate and a brother that now I have to also watch out for financially. I'm trying to make it through another 4 or 5 years to get retirement but continually feel the pull to hit the road and run. I won't have a lot but I figure I can get a decent van... build it out and have a little cushion with my retirement and SS. I may even be able to teach online with some planning.
So there was much in this movie that reached me. I've spent decades caring and worrying over others... still am. I'm ready to be done with that and be me. Oh... did I mention that after all that I discovered at 54 that I was adopted... so I truly did begin life as a nomad and not just because of growing up in the military.
Thanks for sharing your story, wow wishing you the best. Caretaking is hard and takes time to recover- nature helps.
Bless you.
you are a great lady! thanks for sharing, God bless!
Thank you for sharing your story, it touches on the many reasons for chosing the nomad road life. The hardest step is the first.......💕🌎👣😎
Your story is very much like my own. I too was adopted. I too nursed my ailing mother until she passed when I was 16, then took care of others along with always earning my own living. I’m 58 now and though still in an enviable career position, I feel the pull of the road and freedom from constantly caring for others. I own four (yes 4) vintage travel trailers that I’ve restored and also own vacant land. I COULD chuck it all and go if I wanted but, alas, I’ve rescued 15 animals that now call me mom. No way that I know of to travel with that many. So I stay and try to make it through.
To me, Nomadland movie represents "broken dreams." But this movie shows that there is hope and that you can find happiness. I cried because it reminded me of all my broken dreams.
I wouldn’t say broken dreams as much as dreams realized! I discovered that Vanlife existed thanks to Covid…..days on end sitting around watching RUclips videos with my new wife. Just got married, bought a business and a new home. The dream! Watching all of these special people enjoy a life that is anything but traditional tugged at my soul.
The next two years were rough as we lost our business and our home. We did relocate and revive the lost business but in a different form. I thought I was happy, but missed traveling. In the end, my marriage came to an unfortunate end but I did take possession of one of our delivery vans. I’ve traveled across the country in the name of adventure, but was always called back home by an aging parent.
So now I’m taking care of mom while building out and restoring my home on wheels. Can’t wait to meet some of you folks on the road!
Until then, safe travels!
The character, Fern, had so many opportunities to change course and go down a more conventional path yet chose to live on her own terms. I admire that. And I admire you.
@@Mexicobeanpole how do you gain financial independence? There’s many different routes, sure, but all routes involve giving up LARGE portions of your time, mental, emotional, and spiritual self. Years of sacrifice. Freedom is a state of mind, whether you’re running the rat race to so called “financial freedom” or nomad living.
wow, mate does think long-term people in 40s or 50 get jobs today grow up as an older guy who is looking for any jobs going I m getting discrimination against us and with covid now place they see us as a thread to young gen.
You said: "many opportunities to change course..." Don't agree that the main character had many "opportunities"--her choices were definitely limited and constrained.
@@kenc2257 yeah, i think OP means that she had "opportunities" as in living a normal working class life. She had family that would take her in, it's not what fern would want but she could have accepted. That's what op means is how she decided to do her own thing instead of what would be more conventional and "normal"
I loved to hear your point of view on this movie. I live in a sailboat in Brazil with my wife and there are a lot of similarity between those two lifestyles.
I loved the movie, it is real good, but I felt it pictured this life a little more sad and dark than the way I and the people we know see it, but of course, my angle is not the only one.
Best regards 😀
your lifestyle sounds wonderful. Blessings.
I’m glad the movie didn’t glamorize our lifestyle. That said I haven’t been happier since I became home-free. Maybe it’s just the nomads I hang with but we do a lot of dancing and laughing.
I need to find a tribe like that..👍
@@broella6493 thats how i felt about it . been fulltime on the road in a 5 window short bus with my dog since oct 1st 2019 and still going strong !! I enjoy fulltime nomad life way more than fern does but it takes time , and for everybody it takes different amounts of time
@@broella6493 you would think . ive met alot of travelers in vans,buses,rvs,box trucks . most people have some type of animal . alot of people ive met that dont have animals usually drink alot or party hard .
@@broella6493 To me the movie is about the process of dealing with grief, and the idea that there's no healthy way to run away from the painful process. I think Fern will eventually become more carefree, or at least less grief-stricken.
Life is about living not spend you're life working at least not to make others Rich paying for real state. finding good friends that have something in common is not easy most of as have a good partner till is gone and that is what this movie is all about dealing whit that let your only friend go
"It’s called the “American Dream” because you have to be asleep to believe it."
George Carlin
Hello Kelly! How is Sophie Doyle doing. Lovely to run across you in this manner. I look forward to seeing your next video or notification on patreon.
@@kristineshields6005 Thank you, Kristine. Sophie is doing great and taking good care of me.
Sooooo true!
SO much of Carlin’s political commentary still rings true today! Different politicians; same sh*t.
You right, Kelly, you right. ❤️
I am on the road full time in my van and I love it. Safe travels.
It really struck an emotional cord
“The Real Value” of ones life is not measured by things, rather memories. Living and making memories.
I’ve been very fortunate to have come from being raised in a foster home, and working my entire life, college, excellent financial rewards, only to discover that the ol saying live to work - brought me much less joy. My career doesn’t define me
My “Things” doesn’t define me
My happiness is Freedom from those THINGS.
AS Carolyn always says Be Free
It ended well, and I found myself in tears identifying with so much about grief, loss, letting go and moving forward in life. Loss and grief can be sooo many things and this has nailed it for everyone to individually assess what one identifies with.
One can be free without being irresponsible. There’s a wealth of information and inspiration out there. THIS movie (true story) is proof. ❤️
The best things in life aren't things.
@@lisahertel2415 I said "the best things in life aren't things". Do you see any mention of evil in there? No? Me neither.
No further Straw Man Arguments, please.
BTW I have no vehicle. We tried van life for 6 months in the SW USA in 2018/2019. It was okay, but we sold it and went back to slow-travel overseas. More variety and less expensive.
It's not so easy to get freedom and even when your there you still have responsibilities to yourself, your family,your partner, your pet, your home. Otherwise we are homeless. From what I hear - there is no freedom in homelessness. Downsizing is the key to freedom.
@@andrewfilm6432 It's called "houselessness"
@@gabevachon326 I'm with you, Gabe. Fantine should have just worked extra hours at Valjean's factory to support her daughter. Bob Cratchit is a whiner for wanting more heat in the office. If he doesn't like it, he should take his family to Nevada and teach. Some people!
I appreciate your take on the movie. I have not read the book or watched the movie, but I am looking forward to it. Best of luck to you!
Just finished watching it. Like so many others commented, it made me sad. I am currently living with my parents at 56 years old. Sleeping in a recliner in the living room with all the stuff I have left in the world in storage. Raised 3 kids of my own then my ex-boyfriends daughter. Work as a cashier and can’t even afford an apartment. Don’t know how I got here.....
That is tough, and heartbreaking. I know it does not make things better but the fact is you are not alone. There are so many people who look back on their life and ask "what the hell happened to me that has put me in this situation". I hope you never give up hope.
57 and living with my daughter and her boyfriend heading into van life this spring. Only way I will make it on my own.
God bless you honey. I hope it gets better for you.
@@dianalerma3520 - Gods blessing be upon you dear. Keep your chin up.
Just a cautionary piece of advice from someone who has lived the life; keep your Van in good mechanical shape, and do something to break the monotony and claustrophobia that can occur when the weather turns sour on you.
I liked it. I thought the scene of Fern and her sister talking in the bedroom was powerful. The statement about being brave enough to be yourself and how when you leave family you leave a hole in someone’s life.
That hit me as well. I was the one who bucked convention and did all sorts of things that I’m sure the naysayers envied on some level because I was bold enough to escape the abuse.
Yes, hit me too. My little brother (52 y/o and 14 yrs my junior) told me recently how devastated he was when I left to go into the Air Force. At 5 years old sadly watched my car disappear down the road. I think he's still upset.
and as a parent the BEST thing you can be is not needy of your kids and family but bring inspiration, joy and more. People remember how ypou make them feel, not your material posessions or accomplishments. Nomadism is tribal, seasonal and not about ranking people but linking people (to me.)
I agree. I come from an alcoholic family....my sister wanted to be left alone to drink, several hundred miles away from my other sister. My other sister kept trying to stop her but to no avail. My alcoholic sister finally died last year......sometimes we leave our families and loved ones because we can't reconcile ourselves to accept how they live their lives....good or bad ....or ....both.
@@tinasan3870 ❤️
I was absolutely struck by the powerful emotion portrayed by Chloe Zhao with this film.
Her ability to observe and interpret America in this way was miraculous. 🌟
As an American born in Arizona, I cannot imagine moving to China for few years and then attempting to make a film based on contemporary change. Even from a book. Then to write a screenplay from a popular book, direct and edit a film that wins the very top honors! As well as directing a world class actress to stellar results as well...Unbelievable achievement!!🌹
The music, visuals, pacing and build of Nomadland was exceptional!
I absolutely agree!
My interpretation was of her grief of losing her husband and of staying in a lifestyle she didn’t belong in anymore. I loved that she was able to let go and go on a trip of self discovery.
The scene between Fern and her sister - "You were always more brave and honest" - that line hit me. Really loved the film, the melancholy and the solitude of it all, and appreciated your commentary. Thank you.
Collective grief is a perfect way to describe the way we feel as a whole in our country during Covid 19 and how we watched our government decline while we all lived best we can when the incomes did not keep up with the costs of living and savings are harder and harder to create in order to protect against crisis of all kinds.
I've learned a lot about living in my motor home here in Texas under over a foot of snow, no water, no heat, roads iced over. Whole state basically shut down. But, thanks to watching BOb, you, and several others in vans, RV's skoolies I was able to cope and handle the situation. I do have a space heater so didn't freeze in the negative digit temps. Snow is melting now, yeaaaaaaa. First day of sun in 10 days. Yall rock and teach us so much about this life style!
I'm so glad you are coping and have a motor home. It sounds horrible in Texas. At least here in Maine we have wood stoves, warm clothes and enough snow and ice to melt for water if we need to. Stay warm and safe. Glad the sun was out!
Geez i’m looking around to see if I can see you lol. The only thing different is God blessed me with heat. Don’t have water yet but I will tomorrow. It did my heart good to see the snow melting and the sun was absolutely beautiful! Stay safe out there...
Glad you got through it ok!!!
Survived the Texas freeze here in Lakehills TT resort. The electricity was spotty. Water lines bursting. Had a full propane tank and had winterized my RV for the first time. Deer everywhere. Nice to have sun yesterday and looking forward to warm weather forthcoming. Praying for those still struggling to find water and heat. 🙏🏼💜
I have a young friend in Texas and she had no clue! She’s young in her 20’s with her spouse. I gave her lots of tips for water (melt snow) and heat (she had a fire place but no clue how to use it or how to build a fire) and energy for light and charging devices thanks to watching Bob, nomads, bush crafting videos and I was an ex Girl Scout). She has food but it’s getting low and thankfully sounds like the worst is over. But I told her pack as much snow in every container, bags and baggies, bath tub, before the snow melts because the stores are pretty empty and everyone will be lined up to get what they can. Who knows how long until things settle down and are back to “normal”. I’ve shared many videos and she is so grateful because she thought they were going to freeze to death or die of dehydration. Awful that people will have died just because they lacked basic survival knowledge/skills.
I'm not going to lie. In many ways the movie left me feeling depressed. However, I think Fern had it in her to adjust to the lifestyle. My favourite part of the movie was Fern's conversation with Swankie. I think Fern could see that her last days would probably be very similar to Swankie's, but also she learned that it was still possible to find beauty in life, even though she was in a dark place. The scene where she wonders through the tall trees comes to mind.
Fern went to say goodbye to her house and maybe her grief as well. Not that she would forget her husband but she would no longer let her memories of him stop her from moving on.
oh I like that idea of the end and I can see that yes, well said : )
Exactly what I got from it, just as she had said to Bob the view from her kitchen is what made her home special, and we see her drive off toward those mountains, we all lose people we love, we are all mortal, she was going to enjoy what was left like Swankie did. Be careful I got a nasty comment for talking about the end.
Yes, her kitchen view was the seed to get out and BE in the landscape
That was my take on the ending too, and I think that's why the movie ended where it did. Fern didn't know what she would do next, so neither could we, the audience ... but as she walked out of the frame in that last shot I knew she would be moving forward, in whatever direction she chose.
I agree! I saw the ending as very hopeful. She wasn't going to hold onto the past anymore. She was letting go of the last things she'd been holding onto "just in case," and opening herself to whatever was next. (Not saying she was letting go of the memories or things that still had meaning for her. Just letting go of what didn't really matter anymore.)
I am not a nomad, but I believe these are my people. My sister (also not a nomad) told me she thought the movie was sad. I thought there were sad elements and elements of empowerment. It was much better than I expected it to be.
A little late to the party but I am new to the whole idea of vanlife. Well, new to researching it, we've all heard about those 'hippies living in their van' as a movie trope for years. I enjoyed the movie. I feel it hits a lot closer to home and is a more 'real' portrayal of the life style vs those who aim for only 'the Gram' super shots. Thanks for your insights! Hope to visit you guys (Bob and all) one day.
You described EXACTLY how I felt upon seeing "Nomadland." I mentioned in your last video comments section how unsettling and "grim" it was for me ... and you put it into words: Grief for realizing the American Dream is a lie.
But for Fern, her grief was a bit different in that she was mainly grieving the life with her husband. God, I understand that so much. I, in a sense, saw myself deeply in Fern. So deeply, that it was incredibly unsettling. But good art is supposed to do that and I think people forget that. Life is hard, people die, dreams die and we are left alone to pick up the pieces. Art imitates life....it’s a mirror, an especially unpleasant one when the mirror is our own.
The back drop of sadness we feel is important in that it portrays how we can suddenly experience the peeling of paint... restored to our simplest form, a blank canvas, the paint being our stories peeling away leaving us with the wisdom that only love is a constant, no other promises. This sadness was something I, first hand, felt on my 6 month trip.
Wow, you write well, thank you. I'm liking all the takes on here!
@@nomadicfoodie6286 I love words. Thanks
Although it had a running theme of grief, my priceless takeaway came from the woman heading to Alaska to die who talked about the precious moments she savored as well as Bob’s purpose for living after his son’s death...living life purposefully! I felt uplifted. Choosing what is important and leaving behind the lives we touched .
I find suicide to be anything but 'priceless' nor is it an act to be lauded or celebrated. If you have actually been unfortunate enough to have had a loved one kill themselves, you would not be uplifted.
@@suzetridesanandalusian8529 the woman was already dying of cancer.
Seeing the movie “Nomadland”, I realized at the closing scenes that Frances Mcdormand and Bob Wells were the essence of the movie.
Not necessarily. It really depends on the angle in which you are watching! I found both to be interesting characters but by no means the complete story! I believe it was one way this story could go. Our life lived is but one example of how it could be lived. Choose God and you will find your path!
It was so well done, brilliantly captured emotionally and physically, thought provoking, heart wrenching , intensely precise and detailed, it felt and sounded so familiar. Francis McDormand was incredible as always , Bob , Sue and the crew were so on point. The only thing lacking was a sequel 😀.And of course it was great to see our favorite Nomad Carolyn on another screen 📺
I watched the movie three times in a row and within the first ten minutes felt the pangs of emotions realizing life in America as we knew it was disappearing. I do not own a house. I have been living in my horse trailer on someone else’s property for three plus years. There is so much uncertainty now, how can I survive, where is our country going, I am getting older. Bottom line, though, this is the happiest I have been in many years. Reading the book was a reality check on how hard life really is.
live in the barn
your right about life in america disappearing.. you can thank ronald reagan for getting that started in the 80's with tax cuts that benefit the rich and with trumps that benefited he most wealthy.. finally we have a real president in Joe Biden to get things back on track.. glad you are happy as that is the most important part of life.. go in peace..
@@scottjones21 LOL
Sounds like you're a think outside the box gal, good for you
What I got from the movie was grief, loss, and uncertainty in the beginning..Fern is forced to leave behind a life that was safe and comfortable and step out into the unknown. Along the way she meets and makes friends with people who have their own problems. You can see her uncertainly as each friend leaves or moves on. Then you see Fern start to enjoy herself. She learns to be self sufficient and while she and David enjoy each other’s company she realizes his need for comfort no longer matches her desire for the unknown. Her happiness exudes as she braces against the ocean spray and then she returns to Empire to finally let go of her past. Memories stay with you forever. Material things are baggage.
Wow!!!! I've been watching you for 5 years now??!! Holy cow. Good for you to keep it going, and also keeping us entertained & keeping us educated! Alright, now I gotta finish watching you. Oh, & I've also seen how much your subscribers have gone up since I first subbed. Good job!!! Have a great day Carolyn😊
I watched it earlier today, I really appreciate your take on it. I found myself on the verge of tears a couple of times. It was very political for me because I've worked with women who have lost everything. I felt that Fern is a strong person, she had several options to get back into a house, but she chose to stay on the road. I can appreciate the isolation she was seeking. There is freedom in getting away from things and people that want to tie you down because they can't appreciate that freedom from behind their own cell bars.
Or to quote another great movie I recently watched: “I was looking for the key for years
But the door was always open”
― Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger
I watched it yesterday morning and my immediate take was that it was kind of dark, sad and as you say, unsettling. Glad to see your comments that point out it was one story, and a soft handed (not in your face) commentary on the effects long term of the crash of 08 and the end of the American Dream. As a retired history teacher, I know that dream was born in WWII as the home front was pressed into service for the war effort. It was fueled by the GI Bill, which, let's face it, was designed to let veterans gradually reenter the work force and push women out of it in order to avoid the post war depression repeat from after WWI. But by 1960 it was woven into the culture. The American Dream was captured and perpetuated by the advertising industry and partly fueled a booming economy. It started to stumble with stagflation in the early to mid 70s and was then re-ignited by the computer boom and the dot economy at the last bit of the century. But even planned obsolescence couldn't keep it going. Earnings for labor had plateaued and debt had become a way of life. (EZ credit, I'm lookin' at you.) And, well the American Dream proved to be a soap bubble. So here we are.
Having said all that (sorry to be so long, but once a teacher, always a teacher, it seems) I want to add my story. I am retired, 60 something and an artist. I am sincerely tired of having to be in one spot; ie wherever my apartment is. I want to see and do more and I want to paint it all. I bought an RV in October and spent the winter on You Tube University.. then got delayed in my start date by a broken leg; right in front of my apartment. But when I become weight bearing I will set out for adventure. I am not forced into a less expensive lifestyle, really. I can get by in a midwest apartment and be a local grandma, which is great, but somehow not enough. I guess I want to travel and see things.. and yes, paint them and the people along the way. So, yeah.. a million stories in the naked city; and beyond.
The world is waiting for you.....every critter, every tree and blade of grass will be happy to be recorded by you
Very well said. Just tore my ACL so I empathize with your situation. Good luck on your near future travels. Start a RUclips so you can keep us all apprised.
@@DMills-un1tl Ow. I hope your recovery is swift!
Well said. I love the reference to the University of RUclips, lol. Been steadily entrenched there for several years, but don't see a graduation day in sight.
Thinking I might want to take a few art or photography classes, you know, in case the opportunity presents itself...when I get out on that lonesome trail.
The movie is fictional.
First of all. I have been watching Cheap RV Living for overv4 years, I never knew the back story, I was in shock with Bob Wells humble work with people in need. I 💗'd the movie.
Just watched it, enjoyed it and yes it's a story of grief and change. It's one story among many more and well done. I look forward to reading the book. There are many more nomad stories to be told with different life styles. Your channel and Bob Wells has been a real inspiration for my partner and I and we are *this* close to make it happen :) Thank you so much.
Brilliant thoughts on the movie. Grief? For sure. But it also felt joyful. She made a choice. And THAT is the American way.
Hi Carolyn, I watched the movie today. I'm a FT RVer traveling the country with my three cats. I'm a sociologist and researcher who traded in my high-profile career and house for the RV lifestyle, and it's been an amazing experience. I found Nomadland to be a tad depressing and I don't think it will encourage any to sign up for van life after watching the day-to-day struggles. One of the scenes that really struck me was Fern's conversation with the sister and her realtor husband and friends - maybe it was the only time it hit that political edge. The realtors who wished they had invested in real estate when things were crashing in 2008-09, without any regard for the victims of the housing and banking industry, like Fern and the town of Empire. It's a dark movie. While there are moments of lightness, as you mentioned, there's that aloneness that many of us experience. And sometimes that aloneness in nature is a true source of joy. That's hard to capture. Really enjoyed your take on the movie and congrats on being an "extra." How cool is that!
Perhaps we can meet down the road? I'm living a comfortable RV life compared to the Ferns on the road. Be well!
7:21 i agree and im a female janitor and i have no idea how many countless times ive been cleaning a man public restroom for a man to barge in and completely ignore me lolllllll it was so surreal seeing an everyday event on the big screen 😂
I watched the movie today with my husband. We enjoyed it, but felt an overwhelming sadness throughout the movie.
My thought exactly! Fern is in mourning and can’t really get close to people anymore, so she’s an observer.
I just watched it tonight. I thought it was really good. Fern seemed to start in grief, but met some really good people on the road, seemed to find peace in her solitude. I liked her time with Linda Mae and Swanky and it seemed like the visit with her sister when her sister said "you were always the braver, adventurous one. Honest and insightful." Seemed like she realized then, this was the life she wanted. Travel, adventure, good true friends when you can see them again. Live your life instead of only in your memories.
Upon reflection I see the main character Fern as someone afraid to experience what was normalcy again, and to some extent fully cope with her past losses. Her desire to avoid a return to what she once knew as a fulfilling life with a loving husband and a life she loved before predicated on a home, roots in a community, a sense of belonging, and stable relationships demonstrated she is stuck in a perpetual state of despair, unable to fully recover. She hasn't found a new rewarding life she has found a way to simply exist without unbearable sadness and depression.
Fern was sad. She lost her spouse, home, way of life. But she was also learning about herself and others on a whole different level than you do in sticks and bricks. I to have lost homes, financial banking exploitation 25 years ago and most recently during the recession. When my first home went through a quick sale my friend said that I had lived the American dream and that now was the time for me to live my dream. Still working on that as dreams change.
That's what the movie was about. Dreams changing whether you want them to or not. Finding yourself many times over. Discovering community and solitude. Living life.
Wisdom
The American Dream to me in the last few years is like that iconic picture of the donkey with a carrot hanging over his head, walking in circles in the grain barn always reaching for the carrot and never getting it....
Well said. Maybe we have to try find the peace in ourselves.
I saw the movie and felt the overwhelming grief. It was unsettling. I also got the aloneness, which I feel intensified the grief message. But I know there’s another side. There’s joy, too. I’m 61 and I lived on the road in the 70’s, as I also did the rat race and lost a house. But as a single mom of 5 kids, I always longed for the freedom, the creativity that the nomad life allowed. Being alone is good, but as a nomad, there are communities you can join and you don’t have to be alone. It’s your choice. There is where the true attraction is. Take back your choice.
I really appreciate you sharing from your personal view. You are incredibly well-spoken and I genuinely found your insight thought-provoking. Wonderful to see you living your authentic life ♥️
I appreciate that!
@@CarolynsRVLife ✨
Carolyn, I think your review hits the mark perfectly. As a woman on the edge of the nomadic life myself, I'm exactly where Fern is at the start of the movie. It won't be my first time living on the road, but it will be my first time to go it alone. I've watched Nomadland twice now, and both times when I got to the end I was moved to tears. Thank you.
If you go on the road hook up or create a caravan. You won’t be alone or lonely. You will find your tribe.
I am 55 now, the movie hit me hard, I feel that it could easily be me, which is both terrifying and enticing. I have worked, raised kids and barely have anything to show for it. I lived out of my car when I was younger, at that time I felt free and independent and also scared, ashamed and desperate at times. The choice to leave it all, the open road, the call of the wild will always be my siren song, but I am not naive enough to believe it is easy. All the best to you!.
Hi, Peg. Like one woman commented, she went to the University of RUclips and got educated to vanlife reality. So true for many of us before taking the leap.
Hello Meg. I left corporate America and enrolled in pastry school at 48. No one wanted to hire me without experience, and I didn't know what to do. Someone told me about seasonal work, changing jobs with the seasons. I took my first seasonal job at 51, and I have been doing it for two years now. Give it a try!!
I understand loss and I lost everything at 50 from Cancer treatment including my retirement and I live alone now. I’m Disabled/Retired nurse. I and my little Rat Terrier RUGER are my best friend! I never settled with a partner. My time is my own and I love the outdoors and hiking! And I’m happy! I live in a Park Model home in Oregon recovering from Cancer! I like a home base but am very much a lone soul!
But it didn’t seem there was much fun in it!
You seem to make much more of the lifestyle!🤗💗💗💗💗 You should’ve had a bit more in the movie!
The people who live the nomad lifestyle for financial reasons, there is not much fun in it, not everyone can create a viable youtube channel for extra income that allows travel and a free lifestyle, so I am glad they showed the reality of that life for most people. You sound like a wonderful soul and Ruger sounds like a handful, stay safe, and know you do have an internet community of friends when you feel the need for human companionship. 🤗
Wow, your story sounds like mine except I started my cancer journey 10 yrs ago. Yeah, losing that retirement dough sure does suck but that didn't stop me from hitting the road with my hubby. I found an awesome oncologist here in Arizona. Since everyone is doing telehealth now having a doc being a tad away from you is possible. Good luck with your recovery, it's nice to grow hair back even though the texture and color are different 🤗
@@mariawilson2997 Hi Maria, I'm touched by your strength in the face of cancer and am glad you're doing well. Could you clarify what you mean by "losing that retirement dough"? Are you and Lorriedawn22 referring to your 401K, IRA, GIA, or other non-Soc Sec retirement funding? If so, was it as simple as cashing out to pay for your cancer treatments? When that's gone do you also end up giving up your Soc Sec to pay medical bills?
@@RonSeesAmerica in my case, I had to cash in my pension buy my rig. It wasn't very much but it would have kept accumulating had I left it where it was. I am now on disability so not making the salary I once was. The bills are beyond control but we can't let the thought of hospital bills bring us down. It's what you have to do when you're a long term cancer survivor. Thanks for asking!
@@mariawilson2997 Thank you so much for taking a moment to respond, Maria. What about Soc Sec, when the time comes? Can it be seized in any way to pay medical debts so that you lose that too? I mean beyond your own management of where it goes?
At 11:36 in your video, I had an epiphany!!! I've always known the truth about the 'American dream' which doesn't exist. But to hear someone verbally make that assessment is refreshing. I'm a 51 year old man who worked hard in corporate America and successfully 'made it'. However, a few missteps and 2008 market crash sent my life into a whirl spin, which I never recovered from. It was then, that I realized that the American dream was one big lie. I've transitioned into a minimalist, by slowly detaching from material items. I hope to one day soon experience the life of freedom. Thank you for your video.
James, yes!!! See this is exactly what I'm talking about. We do everything we're told to do.. we get educated (or not), get the job, work hard, save, buy a house, a car, a second car... and then something happens that's not our doing and BAM. it's gone. We're screwed. Everything we worked for is wiped out and we either a) have to start all over doing the same thing we'd been doing or b) do something else.
I'm sorry this happened to you too and congratulate you for using the experience as a reset. I hope you're finding happiness and contentment in your new minimalist life.
I think it was filmed in pieces the way it is, because that's the way it feels out here. It's got its own timing not necessarily a smooth flow. The markers of time are different for a nomad.
I totally agree with this. When I ran away from an abusive marriage and lived in my SUV, I tried to keep a regular routine but if even one thing, like a short day of p/t work, occurred and I had unscheduled down time I was thrown into a feeling of chaos and desolation. I don’t know that I ever would have gotten used to that part of the life.
@@DMills-un1tl .. food for thought... what to do with alone/down time? Probably would help to make several trial experiences before deciding full-time vanlife.
Just finished watching it. I am not a nomad, follow on you tube, I am a survivor. The film was perfect. Such an artistic, poetic film, I would write pages on what touched me. Bravo.
I didn’t realize it was about a woman who lost her husband. It will be interesting to watch. My husband passed away 12/23/20. We spent years planning to hit the road, and then he was diagnosed with cancer 2 months after purchasing our RV. As soon as I get my vaccines, I’m hitting the road solo to grieve, but will still try to fulfill our dreams. My story is different but I’m really interested to see how Fran dealt with the grief.
It's a tough and beautifully moving movie about Fern's journey, and the focus is on that and the ways she finds to heal her Self within different nomad communities, not specifically about the nomad life itself.
@@thewunder-lusters9644 I watched it last night. It struck many chords in terms of a healing journey. One thing I loved was that she was true to her self. She is resilient in her quest to be independent and following her gut. She could have given up by well-meaning unsolicited advice from her sister, Dave and the van repair guy. I really admired her tenacity.
You go girl!
I think the only reason it needed to picture “Fern” in that way is that she’s grieving a lot of loss, her husband, home, job....anyone with that much loss who tries to take on big change will struggle, regardless of your lifestyle!
Perfect comment👍
I agree!
Hi Carolyn. I'm so glad that I caught this video because I had an adverse reaction to Nomadland and the feeling of estrangement I had to what so many people, my friends and the film critics and apparently a large part of the general film watching public thought was amazing was personally unsettling for me. Like many others in the nomad community I thought the movie was too dark and depressing and did not reflect my experience, (with the exception of the grinding miserable work of the beet harvest!) I was so disappointed I actually stopped watching halfway through. A friend of mine who is not a nomad who absolutely loved the movie convinced me to watch it all the way through, and I did and I'm glad I did but I still had mixed feelings. Watching your video, listening to your take on it with the emphasis on the fact that it is one story, not everyone's story, brought me a sense of peace. I now feel it's okay that Fern's story is her own and I can look at the movie more objectively and not need it to reflect my experience which is much more cheerful, as for me it's a choice for freedom as it is for you. Thank you for your perspective, you've broadened my appreciation for the film which I wanted so much to enjoy. I'm going to watch it again with a more open heart. Thank you Carolyn.
The OSCAR winning director of this film brought me here. I want to read the book now.
Chloe Zhao is amazing and her win was so well deserved. The book is great. Enjoy
I thought it was depressing, they should have shown people also having a good time and how people help one another and get close to each other.
@@rockn997 did we watch the same movie? They *were* having a good time and there were so many moments of beauty and joy even while some things were going wrong
I enjoyed the movie. I thought the nomad story was the story used to highlight the disposability of people in our society. Whether age, gender illness, etc.,once one is considered not viable to economic/corporate growth they are pushed aside with few options. Glad people have begun to teach successful and happy nomadic living as an alternative to disposability. Just a quick take.
yes that's a salient point. Disposability of workers lives
@@gabevachon326 Fern was doing the van life by choice, and her husband died after a long illness, long enough to go broke. I don’t remember the college education but you could be correct. True she may not have saved enough but the other stories around the fire and the 2008 sub prime scam on homeowners speaks for itself. The system does treat workers as expendable FACT.
@@gabevachon326 Nomadland is now banned in China, it's not so much about "America bad" it's about company towns and healthcare systems that are inefficient for the PEOPLE, and uber-patriotism that can't take ANY criticism is BAD, be that bad things in China or bad things in the US. What is the economy for? It's for Trade, the people's welfare, good ideas for those things. The economy is NOT for just a few people getting rich extracting from the majority.
@@gabevachon326 wow I am glad you have been so cushioned from life that you have seemingly always had the choice to move from under the troll bridge and yet have good healthcare, never have to caregive, or get by on TUTORING ( Fran said she taught but the scene in the grocery store was with someone she tutored, not high paid, nevermind relicensing in another state if she did have a degree ). Anyway you haven’t answered any of my above questions about Uber-patriotism both in the US and China that cannot take any criticism to IMPROVE, nor the purpose of the economy. Buhbye
@@gabevachon326 “oh a nice life with Dave” ... so you think it’s a sweet option to choose domestic servitude for security? Or wait... is there prostitution in the deal? Or is your objection really about a woman’s place? No adventure for you Fern! No risk for you Fern! No, no! You need a weak man who doesn’t know what he wants and is dependent on his son and emotionally dependent on your unpaid labor Fern... again! I thought the US is about freedom that includes being accountable for taking risks, including ones that allow for criticism to attain AN EQUITABLE system for ALL, not just armchair “d-heads”
Great Video, Carol !!
I was able to see Nomadland in September at a film festival. And I have thought about it so many times since. I took away the idea of strong women and people being able to choose their own fates despite rough circumstances around them. The grief being unbearable for so many that would want to just stay in a nice warm house and put their blankets over their heads but these people choose to see the world and keep going. I thought it was so brave to face your own mortality by seeing the beauty of the your favorite places on Earth.
I think Robin Wright's new movie Land explores grief as well in a different way. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
As a once-upon-a-time van dweller and several time RTR attendee, I think your review is spot on and very thoughtful. My 33 year old daughter who wouldn't dream of being a nomad (but respected my choice) thought the movie was beautiful. So many people don't get alternative lifestyles, I am glad an Oscar nominated film treated this lifestyle in such a caring and thought-provoking way. With six well-deserved Oscar nominations, I expect it will pick up a few.
For us younger people this is the only chance at a lot of freedom that most of us can get.
This is going to become a lot more normal.
I just wanna say I think Frances McDormand is an amazing actor...i didnt even know what nomadland was gonna be until i moused over it and saw her name and i knew it was gonna be fantastic.
Absolutely, thoughtful, and kind....Thank u Carolyn...people are...only as best as we can love them.
Wherever you are, register and VOTE. Don't give up this basic right, especially in AZ where they're trying to take it away..
That's one of the problems. It has been said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results. People should no by now that politicians are part of the main problem. Doesn't matter which party. Our problems will only be solved by us working within small communities and helping one another. I guess the whole system will have to collapse before people realize this. Politicians will only say what they know people want to hear. They do not care about the people, only their cushy jobs of living in luxury. They are all parasites and will continue to lead Americans down the wrong path.
@@matrixabandonedanddissolve9172 The platitudes are always the same, even yours. There are honest, sincere people in politics who do care and don't run for office with an eye to making it a lifelong career, people who stay 20-40+ years, who get VERY rich doing it & don't even live in their district. We need term limits, to stop paying them more than a stipend and reduce the time they spend each year doing the people's business. Study the early, pure time in this country, a time when men who wished to SERVE the people went to Washington. The new power grid of Socialists and Communists in DC is the single biggest threat we have ever faced. If they aren't stopped and stopped fast then our Constitutional Republic WILL cease to be.
@@suzetridesanandalusian8529 The problem is that humans come from a divine source and we were never meant to have rulers. History shows us what happens when politicians and governments rule the world. Nothing good comes of it. Very few good people think they are going to get a job as a politician and change the system but they find the system changes them once they are swimming with the shark. There is even more corruption behind the scenes that we will never see. Good people may be "suicided" when they were actually murdered for going against the powerful at the top. Governments are responsible for mind controlling their people, they are responsible for wars and the genocide and murder of many and yet people keep supporting the mobsters with their votes. People see a lovely charming politician on TV and people think that is the person they are voting for. In reality the person is lying and pretending to be someone else. Just because someone see segments or clips on TV of a person doesn't mean you know these people. Politicians and governments are parasites and they have to keep lying to the people and keep them living in fear in order to keep their money and power. No one personally knows these people or knows what goes on behind the scenes. It really is nothing short of a mafia system and it will continue until people refuse to support this evil. People have to start taking responsibility for them selves and stop expecting government to solve the problems, because they won't. Politicians and government are not there to serve the people but only to control them. It's been going on for centuries and you can see it if you study world history and ancient history. There really seems to be no hope for humanity because of the lack of knowledge so it would seem unless people wake up and question their belief system which came from someone or something else, the system will continue to collapse. The good thing is that more and more evil will be exposed for those to see and if they still continue to support the mafia system then it's on them. These governments demonize other people from other countries in order to divide us when the governments are actually the evil ones. They are always pointing the finger of blame when they are the criminals. Start by reading General Smedley Butler's book, War Is A Racket. It's in pdf online. Then think of the innocent people who have been slaughtered and traumatized in war and this just scratches the surface of torment caused by governments.
I loved the movie. All of you guys felt so *real* and were likeable af. It reminded me of this guy I knew growing up that lived in his van in Venice Beach. If you brought him some food he’d teach you how to surf and talk your ear off about politics and conspiracy shit lol
He was awesome and I was sad when he moved to Washington w/ his gf. I don’t think some people realize how much of an impact they can have on other peoples lives just by existing. You probably don’t remember the scrawny teenager that used to bring you Flake burgers but I remember you Crazy Dave 😭🤙🏾
Bob was great also, it is a story of grief but also yes about the American dream, she did move on in the end she walked away from the house where she once lived and drove off into the mountains she used to look out on and wanted to explore.
Well thanks for summing up the moving and telling the end of it for those of us who haven't seen it yet. Geez!
@@nclare7 Yes, but that doesn't mean you have to tell what the ending was. I was reading it for how people felt about it, not to jump to the ending and tell what that was. The other comments give their opinion of the movie without giving away the ending. Oh well.
@@tinaperez9756 No really? I knew what she was going to do before it happened because I have dealt with a lot of loss in my life starting from a very young age of 7 the only grandparent I knew died, then at 8 a brother, then at 9 another brother, at 12 my best friend, at 22 my dad, and not much later a nephew I loved like my own, the reason I said what I did and it does not spoil the movie, is because CRVL was saying the ending was sad, I say it was hopeful, she made peace and was going to enjoy what was left, she was free. The movie deals with death and loss, if you don't have the foresight of how that plays out , you are truly blessed and shouldn't complain.
@@mjc42701 Sorry you have had so much loss in your life but I think you're reading way too much into my comment. I did say "oh well" at the end of my reply to her because it wasn't a big deal.
@@nclare7 Thank you, there are plenty of folks here talking about the whole movie in much more detail, but I get singled out.
I watched the movie today on Hulu and had read the book a couple of years ago. I thought it was a beautifully shot move, especially since it was of locations that I could identify with. I also thought that it was a very emotional, but uplifting movie. All of the folks in the movie had lost a lot, but they were also surviving.
But as always, while there were a lot of things that I liked, there were things that I felt were just a bit weak. Folks who have either been full-time or have rubbed shoulders with full-time nomads at the RTRs could follow the plot line, but I’m not sure that my neighbors and family would understand what was going on. For instance while the RTR was mentioned early in the film, at the time Fern declined to go, but then there she was listening to Bob in the desert. It would have been nice to have had some realization that Fern had decided to reach out for help. Some minor things -- when Suanne was holding up the buckets, I’m not sure that my neighbors would realize what that was all about. (Maybe I’ve got dumb neighbors though...) But I do think that there should have been a bit of preparation just before Fran entered the ‘Big Tent’ that she was looking for mobile part-time work. That seemed to me to be an important step in her evolution as a nomad because that meant that her search for income meant that she was planning on surviving and was taking charge of her life. Although I could follow her going into Amazon work, camp host, and beet harvest, I’m not sure that the general public would be able to follow that. Again I felt her progressing into a survivor, but I’m not sure that my neighbors here would understand that.
But all in all, I felt that it was a rather poignant and sensitive emotional journey of so many of the folks that I have met in both the RTRs as well as in caravans.
I was surprised at how the beet harvest and amazon jobs were portrayed. In reality they are physically demanding and soul-sucking jobs.
Actually, it's "Fern"
I watched the film last night and LOVED it because it made me FEEL. I have never been a nomad but I’ve watched Bob and you for years which made it even more meaningful. I think that their is a COLLECTIVE GRIEF in our Country and this film tapped in to that for me. Frances was PERFECT for this story. Thanks for your commentary on this film.
What an excellent take on Nomadland. I just watched the film and absolutely loved it. I’ll watch it again for sure. Thanks.
Hi carolyn, I want to thank you for introducing me to Bob and this lifestyle, I was in serious contemplations of suicide when I found myself living in my car. I had never heard of Bob but I had to watching you for a while and I don't know why, so when you mentioned Bob I just so happened to hop over.. and when he said I was going to thrive and survive I have it's been a few years nowand I've been incredibly happy and have turned so many people on to both of you. All I have to say again is thank you thank you thank you
I'm so glad you decided to live. ❤
i enjoyed it and loved seeing you and Bob in it! It was unsettling somewhat to me also tho. Perhaps it hit too close to home for me, my age and where i am in life. I dont know.
I really like the disjointedness of it. It was a thousand little closeups of slices of life.
lol
Wonderful video. You and Frances each have a great depth of personhood. Thanks
Very unsettling in my core. I have felt that aloneness on the road. The most uplifting shot for me was at the ocean towards the end. I cried and I smiled. I can so relate. I have called my van my home for almost 2 years now, I still feel like a beginner. I met you at WRTR as well. You are lovely Carolyn. Been following your lead as well. Thank you.
Thank you I plan on following you
I'm gonna tell you something right now, regarding "Alone-ness". I'm 61, my husband is a locomotive engineer & he's gone days at a time, then home one day & half a night & gone again. It's been that way for 11 yrs. Our only child is still at home but she teaches school 5 days/week & works at a winery on weekends or goes & spends weekends with her friends, so she's usually just in & out. Everyone in my extended family are always busy or out of town. I HAVE a home & lots of money but I know that if I fell over dead, it would be DAYS before anyone even noticed. I'm here, in a nice home but I could live on a couple eggs & a couple cans of soup every day. LOL
@ Peggy Gibbons
What if I die one day and nobody noticed? I have 2 close friends overseas, every day I send them a VERY brief ‘safety email’, and they will reply saying that they are okay too. If they didn’t receive my emails for two consecutive days, they will call my friends in town to check up on me. It has been working great, and I am not concerned about dying unnoticed.
@@alexusa100 Yes, It's actually dangerous living in a house by yourself alone
@@alexusa100 That is a great idea that I will use. I have never been afraid of an armed intruder or a ghost or whatever, when I'm home alone for days & nights. I'm afraid of having a stroke or something & I wander around this house with the phone in my hand at all times :(
Some try the lifestyle part time at first , going not far from their homes . It can be a learning process and adventurous . Then when your spouse retires you both can part time it and make better decisions then .
great content! so good to see you thriving out there and grateful that you're a good share-er.
I liked the movie but it made me sad, mainly because this movie is how I feel I n my life right now.
Sending you a hug Tutti B.
You are loved.
I feel similar to you and I’m sending you lots of hugs, peace and love 💕.
@@mariawilson2997 hugs to you and thank you.
@@joinjen3854 thank you and you are loved too.
Thank you so much! Take care and I'll see you soon! So happy and proud of you! You're a great person!
Just finished watching the movie. It presented as a film of grief and a way through the stages of grief. This grief was not solely of the loss of her husband of many years, but also for the death of a town and the community within that town as well as the livelihood from the gypsum factory. The progression of the movie was Fern's journey through the stages of grief. From that grief and the journey, I think she finds herself. She's been with her husband for many years. This journey not only moves her through the stages of grief but also doubles as a journey of self discovery, finding who Fern is, without her husband, town, and community. I also found that though they tried to keep it apolitical, but for me it was very political. You work hard your whole life, raise your children and when all is said, and all taxes paid, you are left with a paltry pension aka social security. I think one of the ladies, I can't remember who, said she did all the right things and is left with something like $550 pension. This is also echoed around the campfire with other nomads I think. Then there is the scene at Fern's sister's house about the guys wishing they were able to "take advantage" of the financial crash of 2008 in the housing market, the very market (banks) that "took advantage" of millions of people. The film depicts a grim reality for many people, even me should I survive my partner. But it also shows an alternative way to live life and be happy, to find oneself through self discovery in nature and solitude as well as within this community of nomads.
Wow, you share the screen with Frances Mcdormand. Two of my favorite girls together on one screen. I can't wait to watch it and I loved how you explained the feelings it brought out in you. I always have your voice in my head when I say be kind to people. You are an inspiration Girl!
Hey Carolyn thank you for the video
REALLY enjoyed you & your story... Such a well put description... Think ill see this with my daughter... also follow your site... Thanks! 😀
From the article I previously posted...
"The stories of overwork, underpayment, and unsafe conditions are a constant throughout Bruder’s book. But the film largely looks past these issues. Sure, Nomadland depicts life at an Amazon fulfillment center as tiring, while the sugar beet harvest seems downright dangerous, but Zhao doesn’t give exploitation by employers the same degree of focus that Bruder does. It leaves one to wonder whether the people making the film simply overlooked that key component of Bruder’s book, or whether it was a compromise that had to be accepted in order to film at those real locations."
Thanx for sharing. My wife and I loved the movie and we think it reveals what is important in life. Wabi Sabi, nothing is perfect, nothing is finished, nothing lasts.
Embrace the beauty of imperfection and savor it.
Just watched it on Hulu. Really enjoyed it. Frances’ rapport with the nomads is absolutely wonderful. She is a really good actress and really understood her character and life as a nomad. Yes, her story is only one story. Bob was excellent too. Suanne did a nice cameo appearance and was entertaining. Great cinematography, sound and music. Chloe did an awesome job.
Ludovico Einaudi was the piano music you hear Divenire and Life are my favorite compositions of his, you can listen to them on youtube.
@@mjc42701 thank you!
I just finished watching Nomadland, and I found it very deep and moving. It's definitely a journey through grief and much more. I still need time to digest it, I think.
On a totally different note.... The light in today's video is amazing! So golden and beautiful! I enjoyed hearing you talk about your experience with filming the movie as well as your impressions of it. Thank you!
I had heard about a friend's viewing and she thought it was depressing. So, once I watched the movie, I was able to focus on on the story line. I agree with you, the film shows how Fern deals with her grief process, as a "Nomad". And, I enjoyed seeing and hearing the perspective of other Nomads in the film.
I can relate a bit, as I got on the road after about 12-13 years of dealing with chronic illness. Much like Swankie sp?, I didn't want to "die with a sailboat in my driveway:.
I've done Workamper jobs and being on the road helps me to heal.
I'd say my experiences, both traveling alone or with other Nomads is more upbeat. I wish I'd had my means of earning a living figured out before I got on the road, but it's been part of the adventure.
People are so kind and there are so many resources in our community.
After seeing this film, I would like to see other perspectives in film, regarding the Nomad life.
This is a fun behind the scenes video. And what you said about the layers of grief in the movie is insightful.
It was unsettling - the perspective of Fern’s life - as she came to terms with her life as a widow and worked at her own mindset of homeless vs house less. I have been interested in nomadery for years so none of it was unexpected.
I liked that pushback, I also appreciated her portrayal of not being a victim, pushback on being pitied.
There are so many people that you can't imagine relate to this movie. More than you can ever imagine. She was huff. She was not a quitter. She found a way to find family without being smothered and told how she should live. Nomads are FREE.FREEDOM FREE.
I watched it today and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is such a wonderful video adding another meaningful layer to the movie. Thank you 🙏🏼
This movie was depressing and sad. It shows how corporate America just uses people and then tosses them away when they aren’t needed anymore. The American dream truly is a nightmare and a complete lie.
thanks for the review! I saw the trailer after a few recommendations online and from friends. But didn't feel like watching a sad movie, I think they need to redo the trailers. But your review did shed some light and interest that me and my wife will go watch it now. We just got a Class B van to explore this beautiful country of ours.
Peace… Shalom… Salam... Namaste and Thank You Everybody for All that you are doing to Heal our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮️❤️
I found your RUclips and a few others after I read Jessica Bruder’s article and her book, and though I seldom post, I’ve been here, checking in, ever since. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your wisdom and also for the videos shot in the beautiful desert and other places. I appreciate your candor, always. Hope you and Sadie are feeling better.
An echo of sadness seemed to follow her in everything was a little depressing, usually these kind of movies are more about the uplifting and healing side that getting out and depending on yourself brings out in most of us.
The ending shows Fern on the path to healing. It was a recovery ending.
@@damarisrushford it sort of left it in the mind of the viewer. I was wondering if she would choose the guest house in Georgia.
@@joinjen3854 She left that guest house behind, certainly as a 'forever' option, she might visit, but that'd be about it. I think that once she'd laid her 'ghosts' to rest, she was for going forward.
Because varied impressions of what nomad life is or can be, I understand fully we cannot take one person’s story as representing all nomads. I used to give talks on being transgender and always prefaced by stating my story does NOT represent all. Maybe a by-line at the beginning could inform-“this film only is one person’s story”.
I was an extra in 4 movies in Michigan but only made onscreen in one for 10 mins! Hurrah. I loved your review Carolyn! Good going ❤️🌹
I was an extra in Quadrophenia... it was fun, unpaid other than food and booze and gas, totally giving away my age!
@@nomadicfoodie6286 I was in “Love and Honor” Director Moody”
Just watched Nomadland tonight - on Hulu. I loved it. At first I was afraid they were going to present nomads as pitiful homeless folk. But that didn’t happen. You’re tight - they did not glamorize the life either. I agree that it was a story of dealing with grief and loss, and healing and life can still have joy and contentment. And peace. And just life. It goes on.
100%! The American Dream is a lie!! My full time RV life is not a choices all together. In my 60’s. Working sense I was 14, paying taxes, raising kids and finding myself caring for my father in his last 5 years of life wiped me out! I was facing life in my care with such a small SSI check. Bob and you gave me a plan and because of that I’ve had a softer landing. It’s hard, lonely at times but doable. This movie was bits and pieces my story. I am grateful. Meeting you and Bob, becoming friends with you and other Nomads has given me strength.
Everything you said in this video hit home.
Much love and peace 💓✌🏽
I could watch Francis Mcdormand read a phone book. She’s compelling in every film. I really was more tuned into her honesty in her acting than the way the life was portrayed. Covid derailed my planned year on the road so I’m resettled in a house and hopefully I’ll get a chance in the future. The film was a bit too indulgent in the loneliness aspect, but then again it’s the character of Fern that Francis loves to portray. Thanks for the great review. Spot on.
Love you so much, Carolyn! I will comment after I see the movie tonight. Thanks for your input. You and I are so alike (the way we think, life experience, age, etc) it's amazing!!!
There was something really sad watching everyone leave the RTR and Fern being the last to leave. I felt so lonesome for her. Humans are generally pack animals. Is to be a nomad is to be a lone wolf?
Some travel in groups to northern locations in the warm seasons then leave for warmer climate in the winter months . Groups are optional but if safety is a concern may be the way . There are groups who camp in the Colorado mts . Leave periodically to visit places , family then return to the group
Thanks for your video! I enjoyed Nomadland, but felt kind of what you did. It was a little choppy. I also wish they fleshed out other people more too. However, this film was excellent in combining fiction and non fiction to point out social, economic and environmental issues to the masses. All in all, it was a good film.
It occurs to me that to be in this lifestyle, you need to be rather "rootless" to begin with -- no dependent kids, probably no meaningful relationship, etc. That probably makes the people in this life a self-selecting collection of introverts. I doubt an extrovert would be happy.
Yep, Sueann mentioned about 80% of nomads are introverts. They like fellowshiping with others but then at the end of the day are needing or wanting quiet, alone time.
This is a very intelligent review of the movie. Yes. I agree. It's about grief. A 'deep seated' sadness that a lot of people have when their lifestyles were disrupted and ruined because of the greed of others.