SUNDANCE 2018 COVERAGE: LEAVE NO TRACE
Review By John Pugh
Debra Granik, writer/director of 2004’s compelling drama DOWN TO THE BONE and 2010’s gritty noir drama WINTER’S BONE, is back with her latest film LEAVE NO TRACE. The film offers a subtle, intimate and honest look at PTSD and the relentless mental state of one of its coping victims. Granik, who took the Grand Jury Award at Sundance 2010 with WINTER’S BONE and led the festival circuits, ended that year with four academy award nominations. WINTER’S BONE was also instrumental in launching the fame of the once unheard of Jennifer Lawrence. Now, Granik being able to showcase her new film at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival; it’s like we are experiencing Deja Vu.
In LEAVE NO TRACE, single father Will (Ben Foster) and his teenage daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie) live out in the wilderness of Portland, Oregon. Will comes from a background in the military and suffers from PTSD. As they are living their quiet life off the grid they are discovered by State Officials and brought into Social Services. As the system works towards assimilating the pair into a new life they find themselves running from the State’s assistance and embark on a journey through the wild backlands of America.
Foster and McKenzie are so good together that, although subtle at times, their relationship and raw emotions result in powerful moments throughout the film. Most especially said of young and somewhat newcomer Thomasin McKenzie. You have to give it to Dranik, she knows how to pick them. When answering questions after the screening, McKenzie’s thick native New Zealand accent surprised the audience as her character in the film didn’t have an accent–just one small indication of her raw talent. As always, Foster’s natural ability to inhabit the roles he takes on is clearly evident. The honesty with which he portrays Will’s battle with PTSD and mental illness is moving, inspirational and, quite frankly, heartbreaking.
In the end, LEAVE NO TRACE is hands down a must-see film of the year. It’s gentle, sad, honest, unpredictable, likable and real. It’s not seeking after these things but naturally encompasses them. Nothing in this film screams grandstand and over stylish. Granik’s voice of storytelling is counted among other great filmmakers and films that also capture the authenticity and intimacy of American cultures. Filmmakers and storytellers such as Jeff Nichols (SHOTGUN STORIES, TAKE SHELTER, MUD) and Scott Cooper (OUT OF THE FURNACE, HOSTILES). So if you’re looking to watch a great movie with powerful performances, be sure to check out Granik’s LEAVE NO TRACE. Also, if you ever have the chance to attend the Sundance Film Festival, do it. You’re sure to find more wonderful movies, just like this one.
