This item appeared on my browsing scroll a few nights ago. My watch partner uncharacteristically blurted out “I want to see that!” I was aware that she’s had a curiosity about the nomad genre of videos on YouTube, where she frequently watches the Van Life vlog “Babba Shota”, as well as all of the Bob Wells videos. I was not aware that she was looking forward to the release of this movie.
This movie plays somewhat like a dramatization. But it is deeply authentic as it includes so many of the real faces of the North American “vandweller” community. This movie provides a platform for authentic, committed, vandwellers to express their views about why they chose, and how they embrace, the Van Life lifestyle.
The vandwellers enjoy a sense of freedom, independence, and autonomy which is so characteristic of the American spirt. In so many respects they are truly living the American dream in it’s truest most visceral sense. But it comes with a flip side. Independence can also feel like solitude and vulnerability. This story highlights the fact that true independence doesn’t exist as everyone needs to reach out for a helping hand at some point. This is why the vandwellers recognize themselves as members of a community who gather to support each other.
As the story of Fern plays out, you can see her experience the struggles and joys of the Van Life. In her story, Fern shows us how being “houseless” is not the same as being “homeless.” Fern chose to turn her back on the seclusion and baggage of house life to be a part of the Van Life community.
I recommend you check this movie out.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Also see Bob Wells on YouTube: