Documentary Review: ‘Nomad Solitude’ – A Poignant Look at the Realities of Nomadic Life.

I believe the nomad way of life is certainly something many people might have thought about or even considered. But most often, many things tie us all down and make us want to be grounded. But the curiosity is always there and perhaps the desire to be nudged into that way of life.

Sebastien Wielemans presents us with an inside look into this way of life in the film ‘Nomad Solitude‘. It is a deeply observational documentary that takes us on the road with three women, Laurie, Kristy, and Linda who have embraced the nomadic lifestyle not just as a choice of adventure, but as a necessity.

In a world that often equates stability with a fixed address, these women find their own sense of home within the four wheels of their vehicles, navigating both open highways and the challenges that come with living on the fringes of society.

“I am me, but most people don’t accept me for me… It’s alright. People don’t have to like me.” Laurie, in the opening moments of the film. She is seated by the crackling fire she just lit. This seems to set the tone for the film’s very raw and unfiltered approach that shows us the way of life of some modern-day nomads.

Through these three women, we get to see the resilience and self-acceptance that are central elements to this experience of being a nomad. These women have been shaped by difficult pasts and economic struggles, but instead of letting those hardships define them, they have carved out their own version of freedom on the road.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is Linda’s journey. Through her YouTube channel, ‘Serene and Simple Life‘, she documents her travels, offering glimpses into the day-to-day realities of nomadic living whilst also attempting to be a source of inspiration and motivation for others who might be stuck in their cycle of normalcy.

Unlike what one might expect, Linda sleeps in an SUV without a proper bed, simply reclining the seat to rest. She seems unbothered by what many would consider discomfort, reflecting a mindset that challenges conventional ideas of what is essential. “I never felt at home anywhere anyways… As long as I have heat, food, something to drink, a bed, and clean clothes, what more can you ask for? Everything else is a bonus

Kristy, on the other hand, provides an equally compelling perspective. She chooses to travel around in a small red Honda Fit. She describes the lifestyle as “kind of addictive” despite its challenges. While still suffering from chronic health problems, she relies on disability payments of just about $1,000 a month to survive. She shares that she also carries the emotional weight of a strained relationship with her daughter but she is hopeful that things will improve between them eventually.

Kristy‘s story is a reminder that living on the road doesn’t just offer complete escape but often comes with the reality that you still have to carry some emotional baggage along.

The non-linear storytelling used in the film makes it very easy to follow. The narrative moves fluidly between the three women, ensuring each of them gets ample time for us to understand their experiences. Instead of a traditional talking-head format, Sebastien Wielemans adopts a more observational approach, allowing the camera to simply follow them going about their daily routines. This choice creates an intimate and immersive experience, making us feel like silent passengers on their journeys.

Another theme that is captured is the constant vigilance required to live as a woman alone on the road. They speak candidly about the dangers they face always having to be alert for different kinds of predators. The film does not sensationalize these threats but rather subtly paints a picture of the harsh realities they navigate daily.

Sebastien Wieleman’s minimal presence in the film also adds to its authenticity. There are only a few moments where he is heard or seen interacting with the subjects. Instead, he lets them guide their narratives, allowing the audience to observe without feeling manipulated into a specific viewpoint. The film does not try to romanticize or criticize the lifestyle. It simply presents it as it is while capturing both the loneliness and the liberating independence that these women experience.

By the time the film’s 87-minute runtime comes to an end, you walk away with more than just an understanding of these women’s lives. You start to question your own relationship with stability, comfort, and what it truly means to be free. You find yourself asking if you could live this life and if so, how would you do it differently?

The documentary however does leave some questions unanswered. There are moments where you wish it delved deeper into the women’s pasts, exploring more of the emotional weight that led them to this lifestyle. However, in some ways, the film’s restraint adds to its realism. After all, in life, not every question gets an answer.

‘Nomad Solitude‘ is a thought-provoking film that captures both the solitude and the strength of those who live on the road. The narrative serves as a poignant look at resilience and the pursuit of freedom outside of societal norms.

I will score this documentary film 3.5/5 stars.