Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is a deeply touching and thought-provoking film that was released in 2018. The film was a brilliant showcase for the exceptional acting talents of Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Foster, and Jeffrey Rifflard. It bravely delved into themes of poverty, mental health, and the struggle of individuals to live life on their own terms in a rapidly conforming world.

The film was directed by the talented Debra Granik, who is famed for her delicate work in exploring human emotions and the social dynamic of overlooked communities in society The 109-minute long film revolves around the life of a father-daughter duo who strive to live off the grid in urban Oregon. The beauty and reality of this film lie in its haunting simplicity and the compelling performances by the lead actors.

In Leave No Trace, Ben Foster plays the role of Will, a war veteran suffering from PTSD. Post his traumatic stint in the military, Will seeks peace and tranquility away from the chaos and overly systematized world. Consequently, he finds solace in the deep, thick forests of Oregon where he decides to reside indefinitely, living a basic, nomadic life. His thirteen-year-old daughter, Tom, remarkably brought to life by Thomasin McKenzie, living with him in their makeshift forest home, has never known an alternative life. Raised in the wilderness, Tom's upbringing starkly contrasts with that of a typical urban teenager.

The actors take you on a journey that beautifully captures their survival strategies - from setting up traps for food, collecting rainwater for drinking to them warming themselves on chilly nights with the heat of a small fire. The serenity and peacefulness of their life is in stark contrast to the bustle and concrete structures of the city nearby. Their existence is content, wrapped securely in the arms of nature, but it straddles the threadbare line of legality.

One day, after a chance encounter with a jogger, their hushed existence is shattered, and they are thrust into the spotlight. The authorities get involved, and the duo is taken into custody, thus beginning the transition from woodland to civilization. This abrupt change acts as a jolt to both father and daughter, each of who reacts to these changes differently. McKenzie, as Tom, gives a heart-wrenching performance as a young girl torn between loyalty to her father and the appeal of a safer, more conventional existence.

Jeffrey Rifflard plays a small yet impactful role in the movie as the social service agent who tries to understand and assist the father-daughter duo in their transition. His patient and persistent efforts to help this unique family adapt help to highlight the often-overlooked human side of social services.

Apart from its impressive acting performances, Leave No Trace is lauded for its poignant cinematography. The film beautifully contrasts the tranquil greenery and vast expanses of the forest with the cramped and chaotic city life. The cinematography subtly yet effectively highlights the anxiety and disorientation experienced by Will and Tom as they grapple with the world outside their forest.

The beauty of Leave No Trace lies in its non-judgmental narrative. It neither romanticizes the wilderness nor villainizes the city. Its focus remains steadfast on the core characters. It tells a story of resilience, the complexity of human relationship and the yearning for freedom from societal conventions.

Sure to stir your emotions, Leave No Trace is a film that dares to tread off the beaten path both literally and metaphorically. The brilliant performances coupled with the heartfelt narrative makes Leave No Trace an unforgettable cinematic experience that stirs one's heart and sparks introspection long after its viewing. Thus, inevitably, this film leaves its trace on its audience.