“Nomadland” captures the ache of financial ruin many experienced in 2011 by documenting one woman’s story of escape, hardship and loss as she uses her husband's death to launch her new means of living.  Leaving behind her life as a substitute teacher, Fern packs a few pieces of clothing, the...

“Blue Valentine” (Netflix) A hidden gem starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, “Blue Valentine” follows the story of a married couple whose relationship is caught in a downward spiral. The film employs beautiful color symbolism as the scenes jump back and forth in time, displaying the...