Written by: Kevin Berge
They're so adorable, too adorable. Must be evil. (Image Courtesy of: variety.com)
Quick Take: Leave No Trace is an acting vehicle carried by two powerful performances from the leads that takes a subdued approach to its storytelling that works wonderfully. Despite its direction and screenplay occasionally feeling unfocused, the movie is an engaging and thoughtful journey.
***This review will not contain any spoilers beyond the basic premise of the film, assuming the reader has not seen the movie before. Anyone can read ahead without worry.***
Entertaining but flawed is a phrase I often use when describing superhero films, but engaging but flawed is a far rarer and more complementary description for a movie. Most flawed films struggle to be truly engaging because of the elements that hold the experience back.
Leave No Trace defines the term perfectly, telling an emotional story with strong leads and writing that cannot quite reach the heights expected of its well-structured elements. It was one of my favorite experiences at the movie theater so far this year despite constantly noticing its issues.
This film focuses on the story of Will (Ben Foster) and his young daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie) who have made their home in a local Portland, Oregon park. Living a quiet and simple life illegally, they must find a way to avoid detection while Tom begins to question her living conditions and her father's decisions.
This is a story of two wanderers, constantly in motion, and it is absolutely gripping thanks to the two leads. Ben Foster (Hell or High Water) is a veteran actor at the top of his game, defining a broken and flawed man, but it is Thomasin McKenzie (Lucy Lewis Can't Lose) that shines, showing the slow growth of understanding from Tom.
Neither character is ever in the wrong directly. In fact, there are no antagonistic characters in this story. It feels authentic in the way it shows good people trying to do good for others but suffering from their own flaws. Will's flaws especially define the film, quietly creating the narrative.
Surprisingly, despite setting up multiple mysteries, this is not a movie that is interested in answers. Those expecting to understand everything by the end will leave disappointed because the exact answers are never the purpose of the narrative. What matters is who the two characters are and what defines their decisions.
Entertaining but flawed is a phrase I often use when describing superhero films, but engaging but flawed is a far rarer and more complementary description for a movie. Most flawed films struggle to be truly engaging because of the elements that hold the experience back.
Leave No Trace defines the term perfectly, telling an emotional story with strong leads and writing that cannot quite reach the heights expected of its well-structured elements. It was one of my favorite experiences at the movie theater so far this year despite constantly noticing its issues.
This film focuses on the story of Will (Ben Foster) and his young daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie) who have made their home in a local Portland, Oregon park. Living a quiet and simple life illegally, they must find a way to avoid detection while Tom begins to question her living conditions and her father's decisions.
This is a story of two wanderers, constantly in motion, and it is absolutely gripping thanks to the two leads. Ben Foster (Hell or High Water) is a veteran actor at the top of his game, defining a broken and flawed man, but it is Thomasin McKenzie (Lucy Lewis Can't Lose) that shines, showing the slow growth of understanding from Tom.
Neither character is ever in the wrong directly. In fact, there are no antagonistic characters in this story. It feels authentic in the way it shows good people trying to do good for others but suffering from their own flaws. Will's flaws especially define the film, quietly creating the narrative.
Surprisingly, despite setting up multiple mysteries, this is not a movie that is interested in answers. Those expecting to understand everything by the end will leave disappointed because the exact answers are never the purpose of the narrative. What matters is who the two characters are and what defines their decisions.
Is it bad that every single time there's a story about an older man and young girl he is protecting I can't help but compare it to TellTale's The Walking Dead? (Image Courtesy of: latimes.com)
Most of my issues with Leave No Trace feel largely like nitpicks, but they are what keeps this from being truly great. Simplicity is key to this film, taking a highly subdued approach to its easily sensationalized story. The film's dialogue is almost perfect in conveying that simplicity.
However, the direction and story structure primarily driven by Debra Granik (Winter's Bone) are not quite as direct in execution. In particular, the film heavily relies on jumpy edits to keep the pace up of a largely quiet slow experience. Longer takes would have done the story and the actors more justice in many scenes.
The story falters in its structure. The characters are constantly wandering, which leads to a whole collection of one-off moments that never have payoff. While it gives the audience temporary moments of emotional connection to the characters, it makes the larger narratives feel unfocused.
None of these problems ruin the experience. It is more likely only those who are not willing to take their time with this film will have any issue with it. I just found myself drawn to this film in such a way that I was disappointed when it could not quite do justice to itself.
Leave No Trace is a beautiful film, driven by subtle focused looks at upbringing, family, mental illness, and belonging. Its central dynamic makes it gripping and fascinating, and the main two actors are absolutely at their best in the roles, playing up a powerfully human connection and conflict.
While many will be able to enjoy this without noticing its issues, this is an experience that all filmgoers should give a chance. It just may never be quite as good as it could have been.
However, the direction and story structure primarily driven by Debra Granik (Winter's Bone) are not quite as direct in execution. In particular, the film heavily relies on jumpy edits to keep the pace up of a largely quiet slow experience. Longer takes would have done the story and the actors more justice in many scenes.
The story falters in its structure. The characters are constantly wandering, which leads to a whole collection of one-off moments that never have payoff. While it gives the audience temporary moments of emotional connection to the characters, it makes the larger narratives feel unfocused.
None of these problems ruin the experience. It is more likely only those who are not willing to take their time with this film will have any issue with it. I just found myself drawn to this film in such a way that I was disappointed when it could not quite do justice to itself.
Leave No Trace is a beautiful film, driven by subtle focused looks at upbringing, family, mental illness, and belonging. Its central dynamic makes it gripping and fascinating, and the main two actors are absolutely at their best in the roles, playing up a powerfully human connection and conflict.
While many will be able to enjoy this without noticing its issues, this is an experience that all filmgoers should give a chance. It just may never be quite as good as it could have been.
