7/20/18 - Leave No Trace (2018) - 6+/7-/10

A touching portrait of love between a father and daughter, where nothing is simple despite being bare and open. There is a lovely soliloquy of the pristine natural lifestyle and the struggle to claim it, be it against society or against the opposition with what is needed. Melancholic but hopeful, well realized despite its minimalism. I was not in love with it, but it is a strong film.

The juxtaposition between this lush green natural beauty and modern normalcy/disengagement from the outside world is pertinently sewed into this film’s fabric. Be it a boy needing to take selfies on a bus, the caged in glass bean of sky travel, or the tv as centerpiece of a bedroom, there is a distinct disconnection pointed at but never spoken about. Experiential contrast that whispered its aim, which is a stylistic touch gladly welcomed throughout the movie.

Similarly, the interweaving of the PTSD was smartly spoken to and delicately accentuated. Never beat over the head or simplistically shoved at us, it is more the malaise inducing ill that infects every decision, emotion, and action. Inescapable and slowly digesting, the disconnection and isolation feels genuine.

Less extreme, volatile, or intense as Winter’s Bone (Debra Granik’s biggest hit), but of the same family circle. Much more subtle and delicately contemplative. I really liked it, but it was much more an appreciation of the craft rather than an abiding connection to the story/emotions on display. The co-leads were adept, but lacked a dynamism to energize the story. Still, very good though and worth a watch.