Leave No Trace (2018) - A Quietly Powerful Drama You should check out

 

Table of content

1. Introduction

2. Rating on IMDB

3. What makes Leave No Trace so special?

4. Critics

5. Plot

6. Stars

7. Should we see it?

1. Introduction

Leave No Trace is a 2018 American drama film written and directed by Debra Granik, based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Peter Rock. The film stars Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie as a father and daughter who live off the grid in a national park. When the father is arrested, the daughter is forced to adjust to life in the "real world."

The film is a quiet and understated character study, but it is also incredibly powerful. Foster and McKenzie give two of the best performances of their careers, and Granik's direction is sensitive and assured. Leave No Trace is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it.

2. Rating on IMDB

The film has a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb, and it has been praised by critics for its performances, direction, and screenplay. It was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature and Best Male Lead for Foster.

3. What makes Leave No Trace so special?

There are a few things that make Leave No Trace so special. First, the performances by Foster and McKenzie are simply outstanding. Foster brings a quiet intensity to the role of the father, while McKenzie is heartbreakingly vulnerable as the daughter.

Second, Granik's direction is sensitive and understated. She never overplays her hand, and she allows the film to unfold naturally. The result is a film that feels both intimate and epic.

Finally, the screenplay by Granik and Anne Rosellini is beautifully written. It is full of quiet moments of grace and beauty, but it also deals with some difficult subject matter, such as PTSD and the challenges of raising a child in isolation.

If you're looking for a quiet, powerful, and moving film, then I highly recommend Leave No Trace. It is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it.

4. Critics 

Here are some of the things that critics have said about Leave No Trace:

"A quietly powerful and moving film." - The New York Times

"A beautiful and understated film about the power of family." - The Washington Post

"A heartbreaking and hopeful film that will stay with you long after you've seen it." - Variety

5. Plot

 Leave No Trace follows a father and daughter who live off the grid in a national park. The father, Will (Ben Foster), is a former military veteran with PTSD, and the daughter, Tom (Thomasin McKenzie), is a bright and curious child. When Will is arrested for trespassing, Tom is forced to adjust to life in the "real world." The film explores the themes of family, loss, and the power of nature.

6. Stars

 Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie star in Leave No Trace. Foster gives a powerful performance as Will, and McKenzie is heartbreakingly vulnerable as Tom. The supporting cast is also excellent, including Dale Dickey, Jeff Kober, and Brian Geraghty.

7. Should we see it?

Yes, you should see Leave No Trace. It is a quiet, powerful, and moving film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. The performances by Foster and McKenzie are outstanding, and Granik's direction is sensitive and assured. If you're looking for a film that will challenge you and make you think, then Leave No Trace is the film for you.

Here are some other details about the film:

Director: Debra Granik (Winter's Bone)

Screenplay: Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini

Based on the novel of the same name by: Peter Rock

Runtime: 109 minutes

Release date: June 29, 2018

Rated: R for language and some drug use

father-daughter relationship

homelessness

PTSD

survival

nature

solitude

resilience

hope

discovery

second chances

minimalism

realism

understated

quiet

contemplative

poetic

lyrical