After several protracted wars in the Middle East, American cinema in the last decade has often dealt with the lives of veterans returning to a country that does not have much to offer them. A few films have successfully filtered this idea through the crime genre – Michael Bays ambulance is a prominent example in a recent wave of films about ex-soldiers who use their skills to pay their bills by turning to crime. But if you’re looking for something a little less high-octane, you can’t do better Leave no traceleaving Netflix on July 4th.
A masterpiece from Oscar-nominated writer-director Debra Granik (winter bones), Leave no trace is also the Most reviewed film with 100% approval on Rotten Tomatoesknock out toy story 2. I’m not a fan of Rotten Tomatoes, but this one fits the bill.
Leave no trace follows Will (Ben Foster), a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, and his teenage daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie). The couple live off the country in a public forest reserve outside of Portland, remaining secluded and enjoying peaceful coexistence. But when a jogger spots her, park rangers and social services step in and turn her life upside down.
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Image: Bleecker Street Media
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Image: Bleecker Street Media
A thoughtful and deeply sensitive story about family, trauma, community and responsibility. Leave no trace shines a spotlight on people on the fringes of society. At its heart lies fantastic performances that immerse viewers in the central father-daughter relationship – Foster’s restless, calm intensity can always be relied on, and McKenzie shines as Tom, wise beyond her years. The lush cinematography brings to life the green forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Leave no trace is one of my favorite films of the century, and now it can be one of yours too. Just be sure to check out the film before it hits Netflix on July 4th. And if you come to this recommendation after that time, the film is also available for free on Hoopla or Kanopy with a library card, and can be rented or purchased on digital Amazon, apple tvand vudu.