‘Nomadland’ comes to local theater in a big way
Many Pittsburgh cinephiles have been eagerly awaiting the release of “Nomadland,” an awards season 2021 front-runner starring Monessen High School graduate Frances McDormand. They’ll be able to see it Friday — if they’re willing to sit in a movie theater.
“Nomadland” will begin a twoweek Imax theatrical run on Friday exclusively at AMC Waterfront 22 in West Homestead. It will only be accessible in that giantscreen format in the Pittsburgh area until Feb. 19, when the film is released on Hulu and opens at other local theaters. Tickets can be purchased at atomtickets.com, Fandango and other sites.
It’s a special treat for Pittsburghers who are still comfortable going to movie theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic and for those who just can’t wait the extra two weeks until “Nomadland” is on a streaming service.
It’s tough to blame anyone for being excited about “Nomadland.” The film is currently a GoldDerby darling with high betting odds to be Oscar-nominated for best picture, best director (Chloe Zhao), best actress (McDormand), best supporting actor (David Strathairn), best adapted screenplay, best cinematography and best film editing.
McDormand portrays Fern, a Nevada woman who, after losing her husband and job, begins living out of her van. She encounters plenty of obstacles but also a sense of freedom and community in her adventures on the open road.
It’s probably McDormand’s best performance ever, which is saying something given her impressive body of work that has already netted her two Academy Awards. Even more stunning is Zhao’s empathetic directing and the gorgeous vistas of the American West she captures. That should put her squarely in pole position for best director.
“Nomadland” appeared on many best movies of 2020 lists and was named the best film of last year in January by the National Society of Film Critics. Expect it to keep racking up nominations and victories throughout this awards season.