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Nomadland: Home Isn’t Where the House Is

February 19, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Set against the vast expanse of the American West, Nomadland tells the story of Fern (Frances McDormand), a middle-aged woman who finds herself at a personal crossroads. Having recently lost her husband and her job, Fern decides that it’s time for her to start fresh by heading out onto the open road in her RV. However, as she explores the vast landscapes set before her, she quickly discovers that she’s not alone. Though she may move aimlessly through the seasons and seasonal jobs, she finds a new form of community amongst the like-minded nomads that welcome her home. As her soul is replenished, Fern also develops a relationship with David (David Strathairn), a man who may wish to play a greater role in her life than she’d initially expected.

Written and directed by Chloe Zhao (Songs My Brothers Taught Me), Nomadland is a stunning piece that honours the souls of those who go unnoticed by a society too busy to notice them. Filled with quiet and intimate moments, Zhao weaves a story of humility and grace that doesn’t merely attempt to entertain. 

Instead, Zhao’s fictional tale wants to show reality.

With an open style of filmmaking that ebs and flows with the surrounding landscapes, Zhao has created a story that moves like a traditional narrative yet feels true. By casting real-life nomads in key roles, she has clearly done her very best to tell a story that lives and breathes authenticity onscreen. (In fact, in order to help them gain a better understanding for the world they were bringing to life onscreen, Zhao even asked her cast and crew to live out of vans during the course of production.) Painting the lives of its ‘houseless’ characters with a loving brush, Zhao celebrates their pioneering spirit but also shows the challenges they face throughout their journey. 

In many ways, Nomadland manages to highlight the overwhelming power of its surroundings yet never loses the value of every individual. Through his magnificent use of cinematography, Joshua James Richards reminds the viewer just how small they truly are when held up against the immensity of the American West. However, at the same time, when Fern encounters individuals along that way, they fill the screen in such a way as to acknowledge their importance. 

Similarly the film’s central character, McDormand may be the biggest name within the film yet she plays Fern with such humility that she actually elevates those around her. Whereas many stars may look at this much screen time as an opportunity to put their talent on display, McDormand instead chooses to step back and allow these real people and their stories to shine.

Because, in Nomadland, every soul matters.

While acknowledging the struggles such as maintaining work and food, the most beautiful aspect of the film is the way that it celebrates those that have found sanctuary and salvation in a nomadic lifestyle. While many have bound their lives to mortgages and static jobs, Nomadland shows the refreshment of the soul that can take place when one untethers themselves from these sorts of demands. For example, as Fern ventures into the American West, she does so not to conquer new worlds but to reconnect with the deepest core of her identity. With the death of her husband and loss of her job, Fern’s old life suddenly feels motionless. Though she may have been left adrift, her heart now yearns for movement and independence. 

However, Nomadland understands the old adage that ‘not all that wander are lost’.

As she builds new relationships amongst those whom she meets, Fern is struck by the deep sense of community that exists within the nomadic culture. Embedded with a profound sense of supporting one another, those that Fern encounter along her journey share a sense of camaraderie and love that is utterly remarkable. Characters such as Swankie and David provide relationship lifelines that feed Fern’s soul and show her the meaning of love yet they never ‘tie her down’.  Though they may not be present with each other for long, their desire for freedom creates a loving connection that endures and uplifts. As a result, though she may not have a house to call her own, Fern absolutely believes that she has found a home amongst her newfound family. 

Featuring what may be the most honest and open performance of McDormand’s career and some absolutely magnificent storytelling, it should come as no surprise if you hear Nomadland’s name called out when Oscar night (finally) arrives. In short, this is a very special film. Coming at a time when we all exist in isolation, Zhao highlights the importance of connecting with one another, especially when we find ourselves so alone.

Nomadland is now available on Hulu in the US and will be available in Canadian theatres on March 19th.

To hear our conversation on Nomadland, click here.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Film Festivals, Podcast, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: Chloe Zhao, David Strathairn, Frances McDormand, Nomadland

7.11 Tuning In to WANDAVISION

February 14, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

After a long absence, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has finally made its triumphant return. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, WandaVision tells the story of beloved characters Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) who finally have the lives they’ve always wanted. However, as the white picket fence starts to show its cracks, the facade seems to point to something more sinister. Told through the lens of classic television sitcoms, WandaVision is a wild ride that pushes the Marvel Universe into the weirdest of places, giving it a charm and darkness that have kept audiences glued to their sets. Tune in this week as we’re joined by SF’ers Heather Johnson, Miriam Ibrahim and newcomer Dina Hamdia to talk about tv as a place of safety and the power of grief. 

You can stream the episode on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

7.11 WandaVisionDownload

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: Disney+, Elizabeth Olsen, Kathryn Hahn, Kevin Feige, Marvel, MCU, Paul Bettany, WandaVision

This Episode Has No Agenda

February 10, 2021 by Matt Hill Leave a Comment

your sunday drive podcast

This is an experimental episode of the Your Sunday Drive podcast, recorded with literally no set topic, no notes, no agenda.

We can’t (won’t) even pitch what we actually ended up talking about (because we do, of course, now know what that was), even though it for sure turned out to be very, very interesting.

We could tell you what the goal of this experiment was, but that may be construed as an agenda and/or otherwise give you information about the episode ahead of time, which we can’t (won’t) do. You’ll just have to listen and find out. We do, as usual, hope you find this beneficial 🙂

Come along for Your Sunday Drive – quick conversation about current events, politics, pop culture and more, from the perspective of a couple of guys trying to follow Jesus.

Hosts: Matt Hill and Nate Polzin. Presented by the Church in Drive of Saginaw, MI, as often as possible. Please visit churchindrive.com and facebook.com/thechurchindrive

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Christian, christian podcast, church, culture, current events, drive, Faith, hill, politics, polzin, religion, saginaw, spirituality

7.10 The Truth about WONDER WOMAN 1984

February 7, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Widely regarded as one of WB’s greatest achievements, 2017’s Wonder Woman was a landmark film that broke records and was celebrated throughout Hollywood. Now, with the release of Wonder Woman 1984, the Amazonian princess returns with… less fanfare. Divisive from the moment of its release, WW84 sees Diana in the heart of the ‘Me Generation’ of the 1980s as she attempts to defeat the villainous Max Lord and Cheetah. This week, returnees Deb ‘Wonder’ Whalen and Gary Blaze stop by to talk about the film’s depiction of greed, its understanding of truth and why it has struggled to connect with audiences.

You can stream the episode on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

7.10 Wonder Woman 1984Download

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: DC, DCEU, Gal Gadot, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Warner Bros, WB, Wonder Woman 1984, WW84

7.09 Watching THE MIDNIGHT SKY + 2020 Top Movie Moments!

January 29, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

In the 2020est of films, THE MIDNIGHT SKY tells the story of a world in chaos at the hands of a mysterious pandemic. Left alone in an Arctic research station, scientist Augustine (George Clooney) races to contact a crew of astronauts returning home to warn them of the dangers that await them. In our first episode of 2021, Seeing and Believing‘s Wade Bearden stops by to give us talk about connecting across the vast reaches of space, what it means to be the ‘right person’ and our Top 3 Movie Moments of 2020! (Yes, there were movies in 2020…)

You can stream the episode on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

7.09 The Midnight SkyDownload

Filed Under: Film, Netflix, Podcast Tagged With: George Clooney, Kyle Chandler, Netflix, The Midnight Sky

The World’s Still Ending; At Least There’s Good TV

January 13, 2021 by Matt Hill Leave a Comment

In the Season 3 premiere of the Your Sunday Drive podcast, we talk about the mass of issues related to the events at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021.

Protesting vs. rioting. Similarities and differences to BLM. Trump’s culpability. The role of Christian nationalism. Cancel culture, deplatforming and free speech. The continued siloing of media and cultural echo chambers. Is there a “third way” and what’s the role of Christian faith?

Then we change gears to discuss current favorite TV shows, Cobra Kai in particular, and why engaging pop culture at a time such as ours may be vitally important.

Come along for Your Sunday Drive – quick conversation about current events, politics, pop culture and more, from the perspective of a couple of guys trying to follow Jesus.

Hosts: Matt Hill and Nate Polzin. Presented by the Church in Drive of Saginaw, MI, as often as possible. Please visit churchindrive.com and facebook.com/thechurchindrive

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: blm, capitol, christian podcast, church, Cobra Kai, drive, free speech, inauguration, insurrection, january 6, mandalorian, parler, politics, pop culture, riot, Trump

Films in Full Colour #5 – SOUL

December 27, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

We, at ScreenFish, believe that we are all created in God’s image and want to show our support where we can to those in the Black Community who continue to battle against systemic racism. While our team strives for diversity, we can always do better ourselves in giving voice to those who need the chance to speak out and be heard. 

In our series, ‘Films in Full Colour’, we examine films that explore issues specifically within the black community. For each episode, my co-host is Jordan Thoms, pastor of Warden Underground Church in Toronto and our hope is that, through the lens of film, we might be able to shine light on the issues faced every day by African Americans. This week, Jordan and I welcome Enrico back to the show to talk about lost souls and the spiritual power of music in Pixar’s Soul.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

Want to continue the conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

Films in Full Colour #5: SoulDownload

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: Angela Bassett, Films in Full Colour, Jamie Foxx, Pete Docter, Phylicia Rashad, racial justice, Soul, Tina Fey

7.08 Behind the Mask of THE MANDALORIAN

December 19, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

When the Star Wars universe made the transition to the small screen, no one could have predicted the cultural impact that The Mandalorian would have. Featuring a sympathetic hero in Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), a wild-west atmosphere and, of course, Baby Yod… er… the Child, Mando has become a pop culture phenomenon, reviving a flagging franchise and rebuilding trust with its fans. This week, we welcome back pastor Jedi Greg Banik and ScreenFish padawan Gary Blaze to talk about the magic of the series and identifying with the man behind the mask.

(NOTE: This episode features spoilers up to episode 5 of Season 2.)

You can stream the episode on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

7.08 The MandalorianDownload

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Podcast, SmallFish Tagged With: Baby Yoda, Disney, Disney+, Gina Carano, Pedro Pascal, Star Wars, The Mandalorian

The Best Christmas Movies Ever

December 17, 2020 by Matt Hill Leave a Comment

your sunday drive podcast

Do you want THE definitive list of The Best Christmas Movies Ever? Want to know why they matter deeply? Look no further…

In this final Your Sunday Drive podcast episode of 2020, we reminisce and riff on some of our favorites, unpacking plenty presents along the way: What makes a Christmas movie a Christmas movie and why does Die Hard count as one? What things do these stories have in common? Why do we build such strong traditions around them? Why does flying kites suck so bad? What role does magic and belief play in these movies?

Most importantly: How do these favorite seasonal stories connect to the actual Christmas story and the gospel itself?

Come along for Your Sunday Drive – quick conversation about current events, politics, pop culture and more, from the perspective of a couple of guys trying to follow Jesus.

Hosts: Matt Hill and Nate Polzin. Presented by the Church in Drive of Saginaw, MI, as often as possible. Please visit churchindrive.com and facebook.com/thechurchindrive

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, best christmas movies, Charlie Brown, Christian, christian podcast, Christmas, christmas movies, church, dark, Die Hard, Elf, Faith, gospel, holidays, It's a Wonderful Life, light, Love Actually, magic, Mental Health, Santa, spiritual

7.07 Reviving History in MANK

December 11, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Set in 1930s Hollywood, Mank tells the story of Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman), a screenwriter with a scathing wit and a passion for alcohol, as he channels his experiences with the cultural elite into what will become his greatest achievement… the script for Citizen Kane. This week, we welcome Pop Life’s Richard Crouse and In The Seats’ Dave Voigt to chat about reading the present in our past and the relationship between integrity and power.

You can stream the episode on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

7.07 MankDownload

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Netflix, Podcast Tagged With: Academy Awards, Amanda Seyfried, Atticus Ross, Citizen Kane, David Fincher, Gary, Herman J. Mankiewicz, Mank, Netflix, Orson Welles, Oscars, Richard Crouse, Trent Reznor

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