Nomadland Review: 9 Ups & 1 Down

4. The Gorgeous Cinematography & Editing

Because all this isn't enough, Nomadland is also one of 2020's most handsome films, taking advantage of the American Midwest's natural beauty by way of Joshua James Richards' beautiful cinematography.

Richards clearly knows how to capture a breathtaking landscape, but at the same time his work here isn't overly showy or desperate: it feels like a suitably pared-down accompaniment to the movie's generally simple approach to telling its story.

This works in perfect conjunction with the snappy editing, undertaken by Zhao herself, which keeps up a dreamlike pace throughout, transporting us from one stop-off to another with an impressive seamlessness.

At just 108 minutes, Nomadland lets scenes and shots breathe just long enough, but Zhao is acutely aware of when it's time to move things along.