Nomadland is a radiant celebration of humanity and community. Chloé Zhao takes the seeds of real stories and nurtures them with location settings, real people, and a non-judgmental eye at a misunderstood American subculture. Watching this film, I was swept away from my comfy but small apartment to the sprawling but intimidating expanses of the American West made a silent sidekick to a rebel riding a rickety van instead of a trusty steed. While some will no doubt lament this film’s wandering and willfully slow pace, it can be enchanting and transporting if you surrender to its sway. Nomadland offers a ticket to a ride few might dare to take in real life, yet many can now revel thanks to Zhao’s thoughtful and cinematic exploration. It’s dizzying to imagine how her skills and style might translate to The Eternals, but that is a question for another time. For now, believe the hype: Nomadland is one of the best films of 2020.