Nomadland Review: 9 Ups & 1 Down

3. It Avoids The Obvious Genre Cliches

Though you may think you know where a movie about a middle-aged woman roving around the American West is going, you might be surprised by how it all turns out.

Without getting too specific, Zhao is sure to sidestep a number of obvious paths for Fern, especially as it pertains to her flirtations with Dave, which sensibly never overpower the focal story of a woman seeking her own place in the world.

It also never goes the Into the Wild route and piles excess tragedy on top of Fern: yes, it's made abundantly clear that nomadic living isn't for everyone, but despite her hardships, Fern's story never devolves into a miserable examination of how reliant we all our on modern conveniences.

And at the same time, it ensures not to glamorise a life which, no matter now you cut it, is full of challenges, and would send many running back home for their hot baths and 50-inch TVs.