maclock Leave No Trace is inoffensive and charming, but it isn't particularly memorable. Perhaps melodramatic or emotional types might disagree with my impression, but it's my impression. It's a pleasant enough film, though.

PotassiumMan Low-key, minimalist and unpretentious, this film does not angle for formulaic storytelling. What it does instead is portray a former U.S. military service member's close relationship with his teenage daughter and his choice to raise her away from modern society. A true survivalist, the father teaches her how to get by on her own in the wilderness in the Pacific Northwest. They live together in a national park in Oregon when their lives are upended upon being discovered by law enforcement.Ben Foster is quietly powerful as the father and newcomer Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie is equally amazing and sympathetic as his teenage daughter. The two play off each other flawlessly and the father-daughter relationship that soon starts to fray is wonderfully brought to life. The narrative of this film can sometimes seem very slight but as with other films, that doesn't always take away from a film's achievement. It certainly doesn't here. In some respects, the slow pacing makes the turns of events all the more magnified.With a conclusion that makes me more emotional the more I think about it, this film is worthy of respect and recognition. It conveys the delicate balance of one's relationship with a parent as one comes of age. It does not pretend to have any clear answers. But nor does it try to judge the two people whose lives are depicted here. A deeply affecting tale like this doesn't come around that often. Strongly recommended.

jadepietro GRADE: B THIS FILM IS RECOMMENDED.IN BRIEF: Two excellent performances elevate a fine film that diffuses its storytelling with nice atmospheric visuals but too few words.JIM'S REVIEW: Leave No Trace is a heartfelt story about a destitute father and his loyal daughter. This independent film is told straightforwardly and its theme is current. Will (Ben Foster) Is a war veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, and wanting no help at all. His loving daughter, Tom (Thomasin McKenzie), is homeless, unknowingly suffering as well, due to her father's on-going illness. They survive daily together, in the wilderness of a national park in their makeshift campsite, avoiding any human contact or interference and living their lives under nature's glory.When they are indeed discovered by authorities and placed in the welfare system, both and Tom react in differ ways. Will has adjustment issues dealing with this new physical world and its limitations of personal freedom while his daughter conforms to all of the conveniences of this unknown modern world. As Tom ventures out to meet other caring people and gain new worldly experiences, she senses awe and wonderment with a thirst for knowledge. This begins to complicate her life as her father grows more unwilling to accept change. (In this case, the movie follows a similar plot-line with another fine independent film, Matt Ross' 2016 Captain Fantastic.)Leave No Trace is directed and co-written by Debra Granik (Winter's Bone) with assured skill. The director is in familiar impoverished rural territory with her characters and settings. Much of the film relies on compelling visuals and the nuanced performances of the two leads to successfully convey its storytelling. Yet one wishes her screenplay (along with screenwriter Anne Rosellini) would have also stated its message with more expressive words. Dialog is strong but minimal and adding further conversational dialog would have given the film more impact about this important subject while highlighting their familial conflict rather than implying the sudden rift between parent and child.The story's narrative structure actually depicts two caring people trapped in the political red tape of social services and governmental bureaucracy. Yet the film avoids condemning or delving into the insensitivity of the system. Instead, the director focuses on the human drama. On this level, the film resonates. (Actually, the repeated charity and kindness of strangers seemed oddly out of touch with reality to this reviewer. That no one, besides workers assigned to this case, reacted negatively to this child's welfare is the film's chief flaw.)As written, one never questions their love. Immediately, moviegoers may disagree with his parental decision-making, but understand the immense mental toll and confusion that prevents Will from changing their condition. What is best for the child weighs heavily throughout the film. Ultimately, it is the acting by these two actors which create such a convincing bond. Their understated portrayals become the essence of the film. Making an impressive film debut is Ms. McKenzie as Tom and this teenage actress is wonderful in the role. Her performance is quiet yet devastating in its complexity. Ben Foster as her dad gives his well drawn character an underlying sadness while providing strength in his father figure role. Their interactions together are subtle and quite moving. Strong support also comes from Dale Dickey, Dana Millican, and Jeff Kober in minor roles.Leave No Trace takes its relevant subject and exposes the human side of the issue. Ms. Granik's film creates a mostly realistic and extremely touching tale about a man at war with himself and his daughter trying to escape the sins of the father without wounding herself in the emotional crossfire.

rudrapalash88 First, beautiful acting, and camera work! The actors portray the father-daughter beautifully, the tensions are well enacted and grips your attention. However, the lack of explanation, or any kind of backstory, the movie, in my opinion does not deliver. Why is he so traumatized? What happened to his unit in army? Why does he need to leave outside the society? What happened to the mom? None of these questions are answered. I concur with the comment that suggests that this movie only has a beginning but not middle or end. The 3 stars are for the awesome acting and camera work.