Agreeing on something in the world of film critique can often seem impossible, but there are movies that have achieved just that. While it’s no surprise to see titles like “Toy Story” on the list, there are lesser-known gems that have equally captivated specialized critics. One such example is “Leave No Trace,” a 2018 film that boasts a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and holds the record for the most positive reviews on the renowned aggregator.
“Leave No Trace,” directed by Debra Granik, is based on Peter Rock’s novel “My Abandonment.” The film, starring Thomasin McKenzie and Ben Foster, tells the story of a war veteran father suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who lives with his teenage daughter. They lead an isolated life, venturing into town only for food. When they are discovered, they are reintegrated into society, but the transition proves far from easy for both of them.
Peter Rock’s novel was inspired by a real-life incident. In 2004, The Oregonian reported that a father and daughter had been living in Portland’s forest park. A month after the news broke, they disappeared.
Debra Granik took the director’s chair for this drama after having directed Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone,” a film that earned the actress her first Oscar nomination. “Leave No Trace” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018 and received an overwhelmingly positive response. While it boasts a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it also holds an 88 on Metacritic, making it a project “acclaimed universally.”
Returning to Rotten Tomatoes, “Leave No Trace” holds the record for the highest number of positive reviews, with a total of 252. This accomplishment surpassed “Toy Story 2,” which held the title with 172 reviews until Granik’s film came along.
Unfortunately, there’s one downside: “Leave No Trace” is not currently available on any streaming platform. However, if you’re eager to see it and discover the reason behind the critical consensus, you can rent or purchase it on Apple TV and Prime Video. Don’t miss the chance to explore this hidden gem in the world of cinema.