Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace

movie

PG, 2018, Adventure, Drama

WISE
74%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

A father and daughter living off-grid face hard truths about love, trauma, and letting go—quietly devastating and beautifully made.

IMDb7.1
RT Critics100%
MC88
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
Loading streaming options...
Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

This is a genuinely excellent film—critics loved it for good reason—but let's be real about who will actually sit through it. If you have a thoughtful teen who's ready for heavy emotional material about mental health, parent-child boundaries, and what happens when love isn't enough to fix everything, this is gold. The performances are stunning, the Pacific Northwest cinematography is gorgeous, and the questions it raises about autonomy and care are profound.

But here's the thing: this is SLOW. Like, really slow. Contemplative-indie-film slow. The 78% audience score (compared to that perfect 100% from critics) tells you everything—regular viewers found it beautiful but kind of a slog. If your kid needs things to happen, this isn't it.

The PTSD and homelessness themes are handled with real sensitivity, making this valuable for building empathy and understanding invisible struggles. The father-daughter relationship is portrayed with rare nuance—no easy villains or heroes, just two people who love each other trying to figure out what that means. It's the kind of film that stays with you and generates real conversation.

Just make sure your teen is in the right headspace for something quietly devastating rather than entertaining in the traditional sense.

Age Fit

Best for mature 13+ who can handle slow-burn emotional complexity and aren't expecting adventure. The 78% audience score hints that even adults can find it too quiet—younger teens seeking Marvel-style entertainment will bounce off this hard.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

Models a deeply caring father-daughter relationship built on mutual respect and love, though their unconventional lifestyle stems from the father's PTSD. The pacing is deliberate and contemplative rather than chaotic, showing genuine human connection and the complexity of care. Emotional tone is mature and thoughtful, exploring what it means to truly care for someone while respecting their autonomy.

Imaginative
71

The film explores an unconventional way of living off-grid in an urban park, inviting viewers to consider alternative lifestyles and self-sufficiency. The survival aspects and connection to nature offer some imaginative elements, though this is primarily a character-driven drama rather than a fantasy or adventure that sparks creative play. It challenges viewers to think differently about what 'home' and 'normal' mean.

Safe
68

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, and while there's no graphic violence, sex, or gore, the film deals with PTSD, homelessness, and the emotional complexity of a daughter choosing independence from her father. Some scenes involve police intervention and the stress of being discovered living illegally. The emotional weight and themes of mental health struggles could be unexpected for younger viewers expecting a simple survival adventure.

Enriching
85

Exceptional critical acclaim (100% RT critics, 88 Metacritic) for its nuanced exploration of trauma, autonomy, mental health, and the tension between protecting someone and letting them grow. Offers profound insights into PTSD, parent-child relationships, and what it means to belong. The film builds empathy for people living on the margins and challenges assumptions about 'normal' life. Genuinely thought-provoking with meaningful takeaways about love, sacrifice, and independence.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for its nuanced, non-judgmental portrayal of mental health and unconventional living
  • Explores the beautiful complexity of a loving parent-child relationship where both people's needs genuinely matter
  • Raises profound questions about autonomy, belonging, and what we owe the people we love—great for teens wrestling with independence
  • Stunning cinematography of the Pacific Northwest and thoughtful pacing that respects the audience's intelligence
  • Shows PTSD and trauma with real sensitivity, making it valuable for understanding invisible struggles
⚠

What to Watch For

  • This is slow and contemplative—if your kid needs constant action, they'll be checking their phone within 20 minutes
  • The emotional core is about a daughter choosing to separate from her father, which could hit hard for families navigating similar tensions
  • Themes of homelessness and living outside society's norms require some maturity to process
  • The 78% audience score (vs 100% critics) suggests some viewers find it too slow or emotionally understated

Conversation Starters

  • "Do you think Tom was being a good dad by keeping them in the woods, or was he putting his own needs first?"
  • "If you could choose between total freedom with someone you love or more stability on your own, what would you pick?"
  • "How do you think PTSD affects the way Tom sees the world? What do you think he's trying to protect himself from?"
  • "Was it fair for the authorities to separate them? What would you have done differently?"
  • "What does 'home' mean to you—is it a place, a person, or something else?"
Stills
Leave No Trace — still 1
Leave No Trace — still 2
Leave No Trace — still 3
Leave No Trace — still 4
Leave No Trace — still 5
Leave No Trace — still 6
Leave No Trace — still 7
Leave No Trace — still 8

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Leave No Trace? Put this WISE score on your site