First of all, let me say this, I liked the movie. But, I liked it because it romanticized American freedom and a lifestyle that seemed appealing, honest, and raw. Even though, its endeavor to depict nomads realistically is undeniable, I still felt what you talk about here: that there was much more to explore.

The scenery is gorgeous. But somehow it's sad to watch these desperate people on the verge of surviving with their depressive and grim lives. McDormand did a tremendous job, but I couldn't help feeling that something was really missing here.

A braver take or a more tragic statement about these characters who float in their own lives without really finding a true purpose to live for. They search, endlessly, and they find reasons to keep doing it and stay alive, but the movie lacks conclusion.

I'd recommend you to watch 'Into the Wild' if you haven't seen it yet. It's not about nomad life, and it's way more romanticized than Nomadland, but I felt that freedom was really captured in that piece. Although, it's much more tragic, and focuses on the characters a lot more, there is still something to it.