Leave No Trace

          From the writer/director of "Winter's Bone" comes another powerful film about the disenfranchised people who live on the edge of society. Debra Granik introduced the world to Jennifer Lawrence in that excellent film. Now, in this story of a father and his daughter living off the grid in the forests of Oregon, she introduces another fine young talented actress, Thomasin McKenzie. 

           Playing  the daughter of a war veteran suffering from PTSD, played by the amazing Ben Foster, is no easy task but Ms. McKenzie shines as Tom. Wise for her teenage years, she is torn between the love for her father and her longing to experience the world he has shielded her from for so long.  As the film begins, the two live quietly in the woods, venturing into town occasionally for supplies. Accidently discovered, they are forced to reenter society and adapt uneasily into new lives.

           The brilliant chemistry between Mr. Foster and Ms. McKenzie is remarkable. They carry the entire film and convey so much even with little dialogue. The cinematography too, is brilliant bringing us deep into the Oregon forest and the intimacy of their world. In smaller but meaningful roles are Jeff Korber and Dale Dickey.

                While we learn little of what drove Will and Tom into their situation in the first place, it is easy to think of this reality for many war veterans who have trouble assimilating into society once they return home.  Love, compassion and pain share every scene. For us, the audience, the film is a quiet but jarring shock to the system.