Leave No Trace (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG • 2018 • 1h 49m
A father with PTSD and his teenage daughter live off-grid in a Portland forest until they are discovered by authorities. A quiet, deeply humane film. The PG rating is appropriate — this is one of the most family-friendly films on this list. Thomasin McKenzie's performance is extraordinary.
Cast
Is Leave No Trace appropriate for kids?
A father with PTSD and his teenage daughter live off-grid in a Portland forest until they are discovered by authorities. A quiet, deeply humane film. The PG rating is appropriate — this is one of the most family-friendly films on this list. Thomasin McKenzie's performance is… Read more — free account
Content severity in Leave No Trace
What happens in Leave No Trace, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:30 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:50 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Leave No Trace
There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses entirely on the platonic, survivalist bond between a father and his teenage daughter. Given the film's realistic and understated tone, the absence of romance or sexual themes makes it highly appropriate for younger viewers.
Violence and gore in Leave No Trace
Physical violence and gore are completely absent from this quiet drama. The only notable incident involves a minor accident in the woods when a character suffers a leg injury while navigating rough terrain. The injury is treated realistically but without graphic detail, focusing more on the logistical struggle of survival than on blood.
Language in Leave No Trace
The film contains very little profanity, remaining mild and well within the boundaries of its PG rating. Any infrequent language is used naturally within the context of stressful situations rather than for shock value. The dialogue is overwhelmingly polite and communicative, reflecting the respectful relationship between the central characters.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Leave No Trace
The father's PTSD medication — he sells his prescription drugs to buy supplies. Not depicted as abuse but as resourcefulness in difficult circumstances.
Mature themes in Leave No Trace
A veteran's PTSD and how it shapes his choices for his child. The tension between a parent's needs and a child's need to belong to the world. The film asks whether protecting a child from society is the same as loving them. A daughter choosing her own path — gently, without anger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leave No Trace appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Leave No Trace is best for ages 11+. It's rated PG. A father with PTSD and his teenage daughter live off-grid in a Portland forest until they are discovered by authorities. A quiet, deeply humane film. The PG rating is appropriate — this is one of the most…
What age rating does Leave No Trace have?
Leave No Trace is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 11+.
What is Leave No Trace about?
A father with PTSD and his teenage daughter live off-grid in a Portland forest until they are discovered by authorities. A quiet, deeply humane film. The PG rating is appropriate — this is one of the most family-friendly films on this list. Thomasin McKenzie's performance is extraordinary.
Is there sex or nudity in Leave No Trace?
There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses entirely on the platonic, survivalist bond between a father and his teenage daughter. Given the film's realistic and understated tone, the absence of romance or sexual themes makes…
How violent is Leave No Trace?
Physical violence and gore are completely absent from this quiet drama. The only notable incident involves a minor accident in the woods when a character suffers a leg injury while navigating rough terrain. The injury is treated realistically but without…
Is the language in Leave No Trace appropriate for kids?
The film contains very little profanity, remaining mild and well within the boundaries of its PG rating. Any infrequent language is used naturally within the context of stressful situations rather than for shock value. The dialogue is overwhelmingly polite…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Leave No Trace?
The father's PTSD medication — he sells his prescription drugs to buy supplies. Not depicted as abuse but as resourcefulness in difficult circumstances.
What mature themes appear in Leave No Trace?
A veteran's PTSD and how it shapes his choices for his child. The tension between a parent's needs and a child's need to belong to the world. The film asks whether protecting a child from society is the same as loving them. A daughter choosing her own path …
How long is Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace runs 109 minutes, directed by Debra Granik, released in 2018.
Where can I read the full Leave No Trace parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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