Leave No Trace

Main Plot

"Leave No Trace," directed by Debra Granik, follows the story of Will, a war veteran suffering from PTSD, and his teenage daughter, Tom. They live off the grid in a vast public park in Portland, Oregon, striving for a life of self-sufficiency and isolation. Their tranquil existence is disrupted when they are discovered by authorities and forced into social services. As they try to adapt to their new circumstances, Will struggles with the constraints of society, while Tom begins to appreciate the stability and community it offers. The film explores themes of survival, family bonds, and the challenges of reintegration into society. Ultimately, it is a poignant examination of the different paths individuals take in search of peace and belonging.

Characters

• Thomasin McKenzie plays Tom, a teenage girl living off-grid with her father, struggling to adapt to societal norms after authorities intervene.
• Ben Foster plays Will, a war veteran with PTSD who lives off the grid with his daughter, struggling to reintegrate into society.
• Jeffery Rifflard plays a social worker who helps the main characters, a father and daughter, transition from living off-grid to integrating into society.

Ending Explained

In the movie "Leave No Trace," directed by Debra Granik, the ending sees the culmination of the journey of Will, a war veteran suffering from PTSD, and his teenage daughter, Tom. After living off the grid in the forests of Oregon, the duo is discovered and placed into social services. They attempt to adapt to a more conventional lifestyle but struggle with the constraints of society. Will's discomfort leads them to flee again, seeking isolation in the wilderness. Eventually, they find temporary refuge in a remote community, but Will's internal battles and need for solitude persist. Tom, however, begins to form connections and shows a desire for stability and community. The climax occurs when Tom realizes that her father's need for isolation is incompatible with her own growing need for social interaction and a stable home. In a poignant and emotional conclusion, Tom decides to stay with the community, while Will continues his solitary journey into the forest. This ending highlights the deep bond between father and daughter, while also acknowledging their divergent paths and individual needs for healing and belonging.