Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace

Year: 2018

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Debra Granik

Drama

A powerful story explores the repercussions of a $2.7 billion settlement reached by the Boy Scouts of America to compensate victims of sexual abuse. The narrative delves into the complexities of accountability and the struggle for redemption as the organization and the nation grapple with the profound consequences of past actions and the devastating impact on countless lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Leave No Trace yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Leave No Trace (2018)

Trace every key event in Leave No Trace (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Life in the Park

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.

Portland, Oregon
2

Spotting in the Woods

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.

Portland, Oregon
3

Assessment by Social Services

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.

4

Jean Bauer's Intervention

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.

5

Relocation to a Christmas Tree Farm

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.

Christmas Tree Farm
6

Will's Fear of Conformity

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.

7

Shock Departure

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.

Christmas Tree Farm
8

Return to the Park

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.

Public Park
9

Journey for Belonging

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.

Washington State
10

Finding Shelter

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.

Remote Forest
11

Tom Seeks Help

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.

Mobile Home Community
12

Struggle with Recovery

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.

13

Heart-wrenching Farewell

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.

14

A Gesture of Hope

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.

Forest

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:17

Unlock the Full Story of Leave No Trace

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Leave No Trace Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Leave No Trace, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Leave No Trace Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Leave No Trace

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Leave No Trace. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Leave No Trace

More About Leave No Trace

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Leave No Trace: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Leave No Trace

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