Nomadland
A woman in her sixties embarks on a journey through the western United States after losing everything in the Great Recession, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.
Despite its tight budget of $5.0M, Nomadland became a commercial juggernaut, earning $39.5M worldwide—a remarkable 689% return. The film's innovative storytelling connected with viewers, demonstrating that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Nomadland (2021) exemplifies deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Chloé Zhao's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 48 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.1, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Fern packs up her storage unit in Empire, Nevada, a ghost town after the US Gypsum plant closure. She lives alone in her van, having lost both her husband and her town.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Fern's van breaks down, requiring expensive repairs she can barely afford. The mechanical failure threatens her entire way of survival and forces her deeper into the nomadic community for help.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 82 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, At her sister's house, Fern breaks down emotionally, revealing the depth of her unprocessed grief over Bo's death. Her sister urges her to stay and stop running, exposing that Fern's nomadic life may be escape rather than freedom., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 87 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Fern returns to Empire, Nevada, walks through the abandoned spaces of her former life, and makes peace with what was lost. She then returns to the road and the nomadic community, fully integrated into the rhythmic cycle of seasonal work and travel., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Nomadland's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Nomadland against these established plot points, we can identify how Chloé Zhao utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Nomadland within the drama genre.
Chloé Zhao's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Chloé Zhao films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.3, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Nomadland takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Chloé Zhao filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Chloé Zhao analyses, see Eternals.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Fern packs up her storage unit in Empire, Nevada, a ghost town after the US Gypsum plant closure. She lives alone in her van, having lost both her husband and her town.
Theme
At the Amazon warehouse, a coworker asks Fern if she's homeless. Fern responds: "I'm not homeless, I'm just houseless. Not the same thing, right?" This establishes the film's central theme about redefining home and belonging.
Worldbuilding
Fern works seasonal jobs at Amazon and a restaurant, lives in her van "Vanguard," and navigates the practical challenges of van life. We see her resourcefulness, independence, and quiet grief over her late husband Bo.
Disruption
Fern's van breaks down, requiring expensive repairs she can barely afford. The mechanical failure threatens her entire way of survival and forces her deeper into the nomadic community for help.
Resistance
Fern attends a desert rendezvous gathering led by Bob Wells, who teaches survival skills and philosophy of nomadic life. She meets fellow travelers including Swankie and Dave, learning that this community offers an alternative family structure.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Fern travels through the American West, working seasonal jobs (beet harvest, Wall Drug), experiencing breathtaking landscapes, and forming connections with fellow nomads. She discovers freedom, beauty, and purpose in transience itself.
Opposition
Fern visits her sister's comfortable suburban home and feels like an outsider. Dave leaves nomadic life for his son's family. The contrast between conventional stability and Fern's chosen rootlessness intensifies, revealing the loneliness and sacrifice inherent in her path.
Collapse
At her sister's house, Fern breaks down emotionally, revealing the depth of her unprocessed grief over Bo's death. Her sister urges her to stay and stop running, exposing that Fern's nomadic life may be escape rather than freedom.
Crisis
Fern contemplates whether to accept Dave's invitation to join his family or her sister's offer of stability. She sits with her grief and fear, confronting the question of whether she's been living or merely surviving.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Fern returns to Empire, Nevada, walks through the abandoned spaces of her former life, and makes peace with what was lost. She then returns to the road and the nomadic community, fully integrated into the rhythmic cycle of seasonal work and travel.