Leave No Trace

Will and his daughter Tom live in a public park in Portland, Oregon, crafting a minimalist existence reliant on self-sufficiency. They avoid human contact while honing survival skills that help them thrive in the wilderness.

Their secluded lifestyle changes dramatically when a jogger unexpectedly spots Tom in the park. This event leads to their arrest by the police, who utilize sniffer dogs to locate them, overturning their effort to remain hidden.

Following their arrest, Will and Tom are placed in the care of social services for assessment. Officials express concern as they note Tom's educational progress, which raises questions about her unconventional upbringing and lifestyle.

Their case worker, Jean Bauer, becomes particularly invested in Tom's well-being. She insists that Will must find proper shelter to ensure Tom’s safety, forcing them to confront the realities of societal expectations.

The duo is temporarily moved to a Christmas tree farm owned by Mr. Walters, where Will reluctantly begins working. Tom is enrolled in school, where she slowly starts forming friendships and soaks in new experiences.

As Tom adjusts to her new life, Will grows increasingly anxious about the pressures of conformity. His instinct to return to their previous way of living conflicts with Tom's desire for normalcy and connection with her peers.

Will's decision to leave the Christmas tree farm comes as a surprise to Tom, who has begun to appreciate their structure and social engagement. This sudden choice strains their relationship as Tom feels abandoned.

Upon returning to the park, Will and Tom find their camp destroyed. This revelation leads to heightened tension between them, as Tom accuses her father of not fighting for their new beginning.

The two embark on a journey to search for belonging, utilizing various modes of transport like railroad boxcars and buses. They eventually hitch a ride to a more isolated forest area in Washington State.

Amidst their struggle against harsh elements, they discover a vacant cabin that offers temporary shelter. However, Will sustains an injury while foraging for food, complicating their situation further.

Determined not to let her father be taken away for medical treatment, Tom reaches out for help from local quad bikers. They transport Will to a mobile home community where he can receive care from a former Army medic.

While receiving treatment, Will decides it’s best for them to leave, despite Tom's newfound happiness in the community. This decision highlights the ongoing struggle between Will's protective instincts and Tom's need for independence.

In an emotional farewell, Tom challenges her father's viewpoint, asserting their different struggles. As they part ways, their bond remains evident, yet both are left uncertain about their futures.

After their separation, Tom leaves a food package in the forest, symbolizing her hopes for her father's survival. This act of love signifies their enduring connection despite the physical distance between them.