By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Debra Granik
Starring: Ben Foster | Jeffery Rifflard | Thomasin McKenzie
Country: canada, united_states
Year: 2018
Running time: 109
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3892172/reference
Chris says: “Although far less prolific, I’d like to think of Debra Granik as the American Mike Leigh for her depiction (consideration, even) of the working-class without condescending to them. Not as seminal or all-out engrossing as WINTER’SBONE, but teenager Thomasin McKenzie’s every bit the find JenniferLawrence was, even if her contained performance is entirely different.Ben Foster exhibits the right amount of restraint in what could’ve been a showy role and Dale Dickey as always is a welcoming presence in a smaller, not to mention kinder part than her WINTER’S BONE matriarch.I’m somewhat torn on the gutsy ending—at the very least, Granik doesn’t opt for an easy way out of the conundrum she’s set in motion. 4 cats”
Michael says: “I will add my praise to Chris’ with regard to LEAVE NO TRACE. Despite some superficial similarities, this film is very different from Granik’s last narrative, the critically-acclaimed (and big Chlotrudis-winner) WINTER’S BONE. While many people want to focus on the repeat find of an amazing young actress in the lead role, the biggest similarity is the remarkable way Granik documents communities of outsiders, those living on the fringes of society. It’s no surprise that Granik came from a documentary background, and that background just makes her narrative films all the more nuanced and resonant because of it.
“New young actress Thomasin McKenzie is pretty remarkable, but the stand-out for me was Ben Foster, who really brought his damaged character to life in a way that doesn’t rely on affect, and the result is so real and powerful. The other impressive talent here is both Granik’s direction, and Michael McDonough’s cinematography, the blend of thePacific Northwest wilderness and the intense close-ups of the leads to convey the powerful emotion of the story is so impressive. I really loved this movie. 5 cats”
Julie says “This Granik movie was well done for sure. A must see. I think Michael and Chris have described it well. I loved the performances by Thomasin McKenzie and Ben Foster equally. And of course Dale Dickey is always good and mesmerizing no matter how small her role.
“I was worried that the movie might drag for me, but even though quite minimalistic in plot, it was intriguing from beginning to end. Make sure if you get the dvd to watch the little extra on the rabbits. 4.75 cats”
Thom says: “I didn’t like the film nearly as much. I’m a huge Ben Foster fan & McKenzie is wonderful but I found it difficult to connect with the problems that developed and the depressing quality of living in the woods. 3.5 cats“