Leave No Trace (2018)

“Leave No Trace” is a drama film directed by Debra Granik. The film follows the story of Will (played by Ben Foster) and his teenage daughter Tom (played by Thomasin McKenzie), who have been living off the grid in a nature reserve in Oregon. When they are discovered by authorities, they are forced to leave their home and re-enter mainstream society. The film explores themes of trauma, mental illness, and the struggle for independence and belonging.

Review: “Leave No Trace” is a quiet and contemplative film that packs an emotional punch. Granik’s direction is understated but effective, allowing the natural beauty of the Oregon wilderness to contrast with the starkness of modern society. Foster and McKenzie deliver strong performances as the father and daughter struggling to navigate a world that doesn’t understand them. The film’s themes are universal, touching on the human need for connection and the consequences of trauma, and it handles them with great sensitivity and empathy.

Awards: “Leave No Trace” was well-received by critics and audiences, and it was nominated for numerous awards, including the Best Picture and Best Director at the 2018 Gotham Awards. The film also won the Top Ten Independent Films Award from the National Board of Review, and it was named one of the top ten films of the year by the American Film Institute.