Leave No Trace Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dad with extreme camping addiction drags his daughter through the woods, avoiding society because…reasons, until she realizes Netflix exists and bails.

🍿 Leave No Trace: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life Off-Grid in Portland

Will, a veteran, and his daughter, Tom, live in the forests of Portland, Oregon, off the grid. Their life is simple, focused on survival and avoiding contact with the outside world. They forage for food, build shelters, and maintain a strict routine. This existence provides Will with a sense of control and peace, shielding him from the societal pressures he struggles to cope with due to his PTSD. Tom, although raised in this unconventional way, shows resilience and adaptability.

Forced Integration into Society

Their secluded life is disrupted when they are discovered by authorities. Social services intervene, placing them in temporary housing and attempting to integrate them into society. Will struggles with this transition, finding the structure and social interactions overwhelming. Tom, however, begins to experience new opportunities and connections, sparking a growing desire for a different life beyond their isolated existence.

A Harrowing Journey and a Difficult Decision

Unable to adapt to societal norms, Will takes Tom on a journey to find another secluded place to live. This journey tests their bond and forces Tom to confront her own desires and needs. As they face increasingly harsh conditions, Tom realizes that she and her father have different paths. This realization leads to a heartbreaking decision where Tom chooses to separate from Will to pursue a life that allows her to connect with others and establish roots.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Will (Ben Foster): A PTSD-stricken veteran, Will struggles to integrate into society, choosing to live off the grid with his daughter.
• Tom (Thomasin McKenzie): Will’s teenage daughter, Tom, is torn between her loyalty to her father and her growing desire for a more conventional life.
• Jean (Dana Millican): A social services caseworker, Jean tries to help Will and Tom transition into a more stable living situation.
• Mr. Walters (Jeff Kober): The owner of the Christmas tree farm, Mr. Walters provides Will and Tom with housing and work, but represents the societal structure Will rejects.
• Dale (Dale Dickey): A kind woman from a trailer park community, Dale offers Will and Tom a temporary home and represents a more accepting and supportive environment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom: “The same thing that’s wrong with you isn’t wrong with me.” – Tom expresses her divergence from her father’s desire to remain isolated, indicating her willingness to integrate into society.
• Tom: “I know you would stay if you could.” – Tom says this during their final parting, acknowledging her father’s internal struggles and the impossibility of him adapting to a settled life.
• Will: “We can still think our own thoughts.” – Will says this to Tom, reassuring her that even if they live within society, they can still maintain their individuality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,046,104
• Worldwide Gross: $7,682,928

💥 Leave No Trace Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into Will and Tom’s world. The simplicity of their forest life, juxtaposed with the overwhelming nature of society, really struck a chord. I loved how the movie didn’t spoon-feed you answers, but instead let you feel the emotions of the characters. The scene where Tom finally tells Will that she doesn’t have the same problems he does – wow, that was powerful! It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who appreciate films exploring themes of family, PTSD, and societal issues”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films set in natural environments”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Themes of PTSD and trauma”
  • “Some scenes of hardship and vulnerability”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Granik’s masterful direction and the breathtaking performances of Foster and McKenzie create a poignant and unforgettable experience. ‘Leave No Trace’ is a study in empathy, showcasing the power of human connection in the face of adversity. The minimalist approach amplifies the emotional resonance, making it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Leave No Trace’ is a deeply moving and beautifully understated film about a father and daughter navigating the complexities of trauma and belonging. Ben Foster delivers a career-defining performance, matched by Thomasin McKenzie’s remarkable talent. The film’s quiet intensity and stunning cinematography create an immersive and emotionally rewarding experience.
• Variety: “Debra Granik’s ‘Leave No Trace’ is a tender and affecting portrait of a fractured family seeking solace in the wilderness. Foster and McKenzie deliver captivating performances, imbuing their characters with depth and vulnerability. The film’s subtle storytelling and stunning visuals create a powerful and lasting impact.

Audience Reactions

The raw and emotional performances of the lead actors were incredibly moving.: Viewers praised the film’s ability to evoke empathy and understanding for characters living on the fringes of society.

The beautiful cinematography captured the serene and isolating beauty of the Pacific Northwest.: Many appreciated the film’s understated storytelling, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Overall Consensus: ‘Leave No Trace’ is a critically acclaimed, emotionally resonant drama praised for its nuanced performances, understated direction, and exploration of trauma and belonging. It’s a thought-provoking and moving film that lingers in the mind long after viewing.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Breakthrough Performance)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel “My Abandonment” by Peter Rock, which in turn was inspired by a true story of a father and daughter living in Forest Park in Portland, Oregon.”
• “Director Debra Granik is known for working with non-professional actors and creating a realistic feel in her films. Many of the supporting roles were filled by locals from Oregon.”
• “Thomasin McKenzie’s performance was widely praised, with many critics noting her ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue.”

🖥️ How to Watch Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace is currently available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options. Physical copies of the film are also available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Leave No Trace, you might like these similar films:

• Captain Fantastic (2016): Shares the theme of a family living off-grid and the challenges of reintegrating into mainstream society.
• Winter’s Bone (2010): Also directed by Debra Granik, it features a strong female protagonist in a rural setting facing difficult circumstances.
• Into the Wild (2007): Explores similar themes of escaping societal norms and living in nature, though with a more tragic outcome.

🛒 Leave No Trace Related Products

• Leave No Trace (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience the stunning visuals and powerful performances in high definition. A must-have for any film collector.
• My Abandonment by Peter Rock (Paperback): Delve deeper into the story with the novel that inspired the film. Explore the complex relationship between father and daughter in this captivating literary work. Get a digital or physical version on Amazon.
• Camping Survival Kit 160 Pcs: A camping survival kit with axe, knife, tools, first aid supplies, fire starter, whistle. This complete survival kit helps you handle all kinds of emergencies. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or experiencing any type of outdoor adventure. Includes camping axe, foldable shovel, camping knife, wire saw, water bottle clip, emergency blanket, flint stone, scraper, whistle, flashlight, tactical pen, carabiner, first aid kit, fishing tools, and more.
• The Unlikely Hiker: An Adventurer’s Guide to the Natural World: A practical guide to hiking that helps you develop your outdoors skills and plan unforgettable trips, whether or not you fit the traditional mold. This book shares tips and tricks on gear, hiking with chronic health issues, body image, and how to be a conscious consumer of the outdoors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Leave No Trace features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Killing Time” – performed by Eric Wikman & Joseph Michael McGregor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

LEAVE NO TRACE | Official Featurette

Ever wondered how the actors in ‘Leave No Trace’ made their performances so believable? This featurette shows how they actually learned to live off the grid! It’s pretty cool to see how dedicated they were.

Quickie: Leave no Trace, Burning #Cannes2018

Want to hear a quick but insightful take on ‘Leave No Trace’ from a popular movie reviewer? YMS breaks down the film’s strengths and weaknesses, and I found his points super interesting, even if I didn’t agree with everything!

Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics

Curious about what ‘Leave No Trace’ actually means? This video from the National Park Service explains the principles behind it, which is really helpful for understanding the movie’s themes. It’s surprisingly interesting and makes you think!

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