Leave No Trace

Will, a veteran living with PTSD, and his teenage daughter Tom reside in the old growth Forest Park in Portland, Oregon. They have isolated themselves from society, surviving in the forest with few resources and entering town only when necessary to procure food and supplies.

To sustain their lifestyle, Will sells his prescribed benzodiazepines to another homeless veteran. This illegal trade is a reflection of his struggles with mental health and the harsh realities they face living off the grid.

A jogger spots Tom while she's in the woods, leading to their arrest by park rangers. Social services evaluate their living situation, discovering that Tom is educationally advanced despite not being enrolled in school.

They are assigned to live on a Christmas tree farm in rural Oregon as part of a work exchange program. Will starts packaging trees, but the noise from helicopters disturbs his peace and exacerbates his PTSD.

While adjusting to their new life, Tom befriends a local boy who is building a tiny house. His introduction to the 4-H youth club helps Tom build social connections outside of her isolated upbringing.

Suddenly, Will decides that they must leave the Christmas tree farm. Tom is hesitant but ultimately follows him, desperate for his approval and concerned for their survival.

Upon returning to their old camp in the park, Will and Tom discover it has been destroyed. Stripped of their home, they seek refuge in a railroad boxcar before hitching a ride with a trucker.

Dropped off in a remote forest area in Washington state, Will and Tom must endure the cold darkness by constructing a survival shelter. This marks another chapter in their journey of resilience against nature and their circumstances.

When Will goes out in search of food, he does not return. Tom later finds him unconscious at the bottom of a ravine with a serious foot injury, which symbolizes the risks they face in their struggle for survival.

Tom receives assistance from local quadbikers who transport them to a nearby mobile home community. Despite Will's injuries, Tom refuses hospital care, reflecting her fierce loyalty and determination to keep her father safe.

In the trailer community, a former Army medic helps Will with his injuries and PTSD using his service dog. This relationship fosters a sense of understanding between the veterans as they bond over shared experiences.

Tom begins to thrive in her new surroundings, even attempting to negotiate a rental agreement for the trailer without Will's knowledge. This act symbolizes her growing independence and desire to settle down.

Will insists they must leave the trailer community, leading to a heart-wrenching conversation with Tom. They share a tearful hug before parting ways, showcasing the emotional turmoil underlying their relationship.

After returning to their old ways, Tom hangs a food package in the forest for Will. This poignant gesture represents her enduring love and commitment to her father despite their separation.