Critique: "Leave No Trace" will persist long after the credits



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BOONIES – Between the latest blockbusters and superheroes, you may want a quieter and smaller tale this summer.

Director Debra Granik has the answer with her latest feature film: "Leave No Trace." Based on the novel "My Abandonment" by Peter Rock, the film tells the story of a father (Ben Foster) and a daughter (Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie) who live an isolated life in a public park near Portland, Oregon. 19659002] When forced to reintegrate into "normal" society, the film follows the small family as they struggle to adapt and adapt.

Granik's previous work also told stories of unconventional people who live different from most Americans.

Her film "Winter's Bone" of 2010 followed a teenager who was working to protect her family in a rude and ruthless community in the distant Ozark Mountains. Granik's "Stray Dog" documentary in 2014 gave a look at a veteran of the Vietnam War who became a recreational vehicle park pilot / biker outlaw fighting the effects of war decades later

. realistic story of two people who are anything but normal.

Here are some reasons why I think "Leave No Trace" is one of the best movies of the year, but a few reasons why this is not for everyone. 19659002] The game is amazing

In 2010, Granik threw unknown actress Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone". Lawrence's performance was unanimously hailed and earned an Oscar nomination. Now she is a massive star.

I can not help but think that Granik has found another star-in-the-making with the young protagonist of "Leave No Trace", played by New Zealand actress Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie. 19659002] The character of McKenzie, Tom, is hard, determined and inventive. She seems to have lived more meaningful life experiences than most adults, even though she's only a pre-teen.

Still, Tom is plunged into situations where she is completely out of her element. In these scenes, McKenzie plays with a subtle subtlety to show that his character feels vulnerable but desperately tries to look strong.

In a dramatic dramatic scene near the end of the film, McKenzie stands firm with his talented co-star Ben Foster, who is one of Hollywood's most underrated actors.

Similarly, Foster plays Tom's father, Will, with a fascinating depth. The film reveals little about Will's background apart from the fact that he's a veteran of the army.

He is a troubled father who wants to do what is best for his daughter, but sometimes his own limitations make it impossible. Foster dissolves in his role of playing an authentic father who has enough self-awareness to realize that his own problems prevent him from doing what is best for him, and is upset by this thought

. McKenzie and Foster, but the actors in the supporting roles are doing their part to integrate the world that Granik creates in his film

It is apolitical, realistic and without dramaturgy [19659002It'shardtofindamoviethesedaysthathasnounderlyingpoliticalorsocialmessage

"Leave No Trace" addresses some issues, such as the difficulties faced by veterans and the homeless to integrate into modern society. But these things are only slightly addressed, and nothing is jostled in your face.

You might expect this dark movie to include really rotten characters who are trying to sabotage the main characters. "Like No Trace" has nothing like it.

Most people who come into contact with Will and Tom simply try to help them: help with paperwork, a truck driver who gives them a lift, a mother who offers them a place to stay.

Although terrible people certainly exist in the world, most people are empathetic and kind and Granik clearly believes it. For this reason, his film seems all the more realistic

It's light on the plot

For movie buffs who enjoy a good character study, "Leave No Trace" has everything you could ask for. 19659002] But for those who like a little more action and plot, the movie is a bit light.

The characters at the center of the film are vagrants, who cross the Pacific Northwest from one place to another. The plot is also nomadic as it follows Will and Tom.

While it documents the end of an important chapter in the characters' lives, the end of "Leave No Trace" is not particularly climactic. Even though I was satisfied, I could see other viewers feeling helpless by the final scenes of the movie.

"Leave No Trace" is the work of a confident and talented filmmaker who has a singular vision. I recommend the film to people who like slow burning characters, although the most moving scenes may be a little too close to home for parents and children.

"Leave No Trace" Entire material.

Jacob Klopfenstein
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