Leave No Trace

Wow. This film is beautiful in almost every way possible. The whole “parent-child fighting out of a situation” plot is not new to films but Debra Granik explores this filial relationship and the PTSD angle in the realest and most believable way possible. I love how despite the lack of dialogue, Granik is able to convey and explain everything about the two characters and their way of living. And even there is dialogue, it never feels overtly constructed to educate the audience. It makes the audience feel like an observer witnessing a natural conversation between two people. I haven’t seen much of Ben Foster but I feel like this was one of his stronger roles, if not the strongest. But the real show-stealer is Thomasin McKenzie and man she’s powerful and truly mesmerising in the film. So excited to see what she brings into her future Hollywood roles. I really can’t think of any sort of criticism for this film at the moment because I’m still overwhelmed by the beauty of the film. Even in the technical departments, this film doesn’t feel flawed. One of the best films I’ve seen all year.