Leave No Trace

Tom and her father Will live largely unseen in Forest Park, a sprawling nature sanctuary near Portland, Oregon. Their life feels blessedly simple, sheltered from the usual trappings of society, and built on routines they share in quiet companionship. They fish, forage, and move by instinct, keeping the world at a careful distance. When a small mistake brings scrutiny from authorities, their carefully fenced routine is shattered. Faced with questions and possible consequences, they set out on a wavering path that carries them through forests, towns, and unfamiliar landscapes. Each step tests their bond and their stubborn hope of finding a safe, self chosen place to call home. The road becomes a measure of who they are in their hearts.

The film released in 2018, directed by Debra Granik with an original screenplay by Granik and Anne Rosellini. It showcases Granik's restrained, grounded approach to drama, prioritizing lived experience and intimate character dynamics over loud plot twists in modern cinema.

Box office details are modest, reflecting a quiet indie release rather than a wide commercial rollout. The film found most of its audience through film festivals and streaming across platforms, earning praise from critics who favored its quiet, patient storytelling.

Tom and Will's bond, set against rustling trees and sparse dialogue, sparked conversations about autonomy, parenting, and the costs of isolation in life. The film's unadorned realism inspired discussions about how people choose to live, and what home can mean beyond four walls. That resonance lingers after the credits roll.

Critics praised the performances of Thomasin McKenzie as Tom and Ben Foster as Will, noting their economy of emotion and quiet resilience. The drama centers on finding belonging in a world that feels at once expansive and judgmental, offering a humane portrait of chosen family. It asks who we become.