Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Werner Herzog waxes philosophical about his late friend Bruce Chatwin in this meditative, niche documentary for literary travel nerds.

6.9/10

89%

→

Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin

movie

PG, 2019

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Werner Herzog waxes philosophical about his late friend Bruce Chatwin in this meditative, niche documentary for literary travel nerds.

6.9

89%

Jump to

Also rated on

6.9/10

89%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, the critical scores are stellar, and if you're a Herzog completist or a Chatwin devotee, this is a must-watch. It's beautifully shot, intellectually rich, and genuinely enriching.

But let's be real: the 57% audience score is the number that matters for most families. This is a slow, meditative, highly niche documentary that will bore the vast majority of viewers to tears. It's not bad—it's just extremely specific in its appeal.

For Screenwise purposes, this gets a middling score because while it checks WISE boxes on paper, it fails the fundamental "would anyone actually want to watch this?" test. If you're looking for family viewing or even teen enrichment, there are a hundred better options. If you're an adult who genuinely loves contemplative travel docs, go for it—just don't expect anyone else to join you on the couch.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 11+, which is technically accurate for content safety, but realistically this is for adults who love literary documentaries, Herzog's work, or travel writing. Teens and tweens will find it excruciatingly slow.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Werner Herzog's meditative documentary is reflective and respectful, exploring friendship, travel writing, and philosophical ideas about nomadic life. No toxic behavior or chaotic pacing—it's contemplative and measured, though the tone is distinctly adult and cerebral rather than uplifting.

Imaginative

The film traces Herzog's journey retracing Chatwin's travels across continents, blending biography with personal reflection. It invites curiosity about exploration, different cultures, and the creative process of a legendary travel writer. Strong intellectual imagination, though not interactive or hands-on creative.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 11+, suggesting minimal concerning content. As a documentary about travel writing and friendship, it lacks violence, gore, sexuality, or frightening scenes. The 89% RT critic score and 85 Metacritic suggest thoughtful, mature content without shock value.

Enriching

High critical acclaim (89% RT critics, 85 Metacritic) points to substantial intellectual and cultural value. Explores themes of wanderlust, creativity, mortality, and cross-cultural understanding through the lens of two fascinating artists. However, entertainment value is limited—this is a slow, contemplative documentary.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If you're into Herzog or Chatwin, this is a beautiful meditation on friendship, creativity, and wanderlust
Strong critical acclaim (89% RT critics, 85 Metacritic) for its intellectual depth and cinematic craft
Offers genuine cultural enrichment—explores nomadic life, travel writing, and cross-cultural understanding
Safe, thoughtful content appropriate for tweens and up who can handle slow pacing

⚠

What to Watch For

The 57% audience score tells the real story: this is slow, cerebral, and frankly boring for most viewers
Herzog's narration style is distinctive but meandering—not everyone's cup of tea
Zero entertainment value for kids or teens; even interested adults need patience
This is essentially a 90-minute filmed essay—know what you're signing up for

Conversation Starters

"What makes someone want to travel and explore remote places instead of staying home?"
"Herzog talks about how Chatwin saw the world—how do you think travel changes how we see things?"
"The film explores nomadic life versus settling down. What appeals to you about each?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic