Leave No Trace

In the lush and serene environment of Forest Park, a 90-acre public green space within Portland, Oregon, a father and daughter reside in a mysterious, isolated world. The father, Will (played by Ben Foster), is a troubled veteran struggling to cope with the emotional scars of the past. His daughter, Tom, is around 13 years old and has grown up mostly within the boundaries of the park, developing a deep connection with nature. Despite their idyllic appearance, it becomes clear that Will and Tom live an unconventional, nomadic life, largely disconnected from society. They possess the skills required for survival, such as starting a fire without matches, hunting, and making use of the park's natural resources. Their home is a carefully concealed shelter made from scavenged materials. The couple seems to embody a sense of self-sufficiency, free from the constraints of modern society. However, this fragile equilibrium begins to crumble when Tom starts causing trouble. It is unclear what sets off this chain of events, but it seems Tom has inadvertently drawn the attention of park authorities. Their lives are forever altered as rangers become involved. Will must now make a crucial decision - whether to continue their nomadic lifestyle or take action to secure a legitimate place to call home. As they navigate through the city, Will becomes increasingly paranoid, fearing the possibility of capture and institutionalization. His primary concern is protecting himself and Tom from the perceived threats of the outside world. Their journey becomes a desperate search for a place to settle down, a place where they can live without the constant worry of being discovered. Will's obsession with maintaining their way of life leads to erratic actions that heighten tension within the film. Tom begins to question her father's decision-making and, for the first time, wonders if their isolated existence might not be the ideal one after all. This inner conflict brings about a rift in their relationship, making their search even more challenging. Throughout the film, the director, Debra Granik, masterfully weaves in the narrative thread of Will's troubled past. Through fragments and whispers of dialogue, we glimpse the events that led Will to this point. His struggle to cope with his experiences in the military and, subsequently, his inability to connect with the outside world, become increasingly poignant. This backstory provides valuable context to Will's erratic behavior and raises questions about the consequences of trauma on a person's life. As Will and Tom struggle to find a place to call home, the stakes escalate. Will becomes more aggressive and isolated, fearing capture and imprisonment. In a heart-pounding climax, they find themselves trapped in a desperate situation, with their future hanging in the balance. The film culminates with a poignant reflection of the tension between living off the grid and embracing mainstream society. Ultimately, Leave No Trace presents an unflinching portrayal of the complexities surrounding survival, trauma, and the search for connection in a disorienting world. Ben Foster's powerful performance brings depth to Will's troubled character, making his plight relatable and deeply human. Tom, played by Thomasin McKenzie, shines in her breakout role, evoking a sense of vulnerability and resilience in the face of uncertainty.