Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Leave No Trace

film

Leave No Trace

2018

A father and daughter live a perfect but mysterious existence in Forest Park, a beautiful nature reserve near Portland, Oregon, rarely making contact with the world. But when a small mistake tips them off to authorities, they are sent on an increasingly erratic journey in search of a place to call their own.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Mature themes include PTSD, family instability, homelessness, separation, medication misuse, an injury, and emotionally difficult choices. Violence and sexual content are minimal, but the realism and emotional weight suit early teens and older. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Graphic injury1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

A character has a serious foot injury; blood is minimal and clinical in nature.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language appears limited to mild profanity or name-calling and is consistent with the film's PG rating; the supplied passages do not list specific words.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Tom has very light, age-appropriate interactions with a boy her age.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

The feeling of instability and the threat of being forced out of homes creates mild tension.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Will sells his prescribed benzodiazepines to another veteran; medication and PTSD-related treatment are relevant to the plot.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief, non-graphic depictions of injury and the aftermath of a fall.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Tom and Will face hardship, displacement, injury, and difficult separation; Tom increasingly makes brave, thoughtful choices.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Off-grid living, shelter-building, problem-solving, beekeeping, and Tom's practical adaptation encourage resourcefulness and curiosity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts various people living in trailer communities, but not a primary focus of the story.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into PTSD and the realities of living off the grid.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Community members help with shelter, medical care, food, and emotional support, while Tom cares deeply for her father.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It explores recovery, autonomy, belonging, responsible care, community support, and the consequences of untreated trauma.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Tom shows empathy, resourcefulness, and growing independence, while Will is loving but impaired and makes risky choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in Leave No Trace would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Leave No Trace, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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