This quiet little film surprised me with its depth and perception, especially after I hated the director’s earlier drama, Winter’s Bone.  Here, psychological tension simmers beneath the surface in most every scene, yet it is kept in check rather than exploited.  And credit the production team for a grimly realistic exploration of the Pacific Northwest forests, where much of this story occurs.

Debra Granik’s film follows troubled veteran Will (Ben Foster) and his teenage daughter Tom (Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie) as they live peacefully off the grid in the forests around Portland, Oregon.  They are eventually found, forced to undergo evaluation, then given a place to live and work by social services officials.  But how long can Will conform to a system he cannot abide, and what will become of his daughter?  This remarkable film chronicles their particular story, one which is seen to have a wider societal impact.

A few things stand out for me.  First, Will is obviously very troubled by his war experience but — spoiler — he never explodes in rage, as he seems wont to do.  Ben Foster’s performance is a master class in restraint; meanwhile, Thomasin McKenzie is just as good as a young woman who hesitantly wants to begin to connect with the civilization her father wishes to avoid.  Second, and most striking to me, every single person they encounter actually cares and tries to help them.  Every single one.  This positive, hopeful view of humanity is heartwarming — but not sentimental at all, for the help that is offered is sometimes selfish, or misguided, or simply refused.  Yet the fact that people are willing to help as they can is wonderful, and pretty much the opposite of the awful characters in Winter’s Bone.

This is a terrific, quiet little movie that may be too slow or silent or moody for audiences used to kinetic action, loud characters and rude humor.  But for discerning viewers rewards are plentiful.  The exacting details that surround people living off the grid are beautifully rendered, while the attitudes of those shunned by “normal” society seem spot-on.  Moral judgment is withheld, so viewers can decide for themselves if Will is giving Tom what she needs, or if he is depriving her of the life she deserves.  A lot of their story remains unspoken, too, which sometimes drives me crazy but in this case just increases my interest in their welfare.  Credit the screenplay by Granik and Anne Rosselini (based on Peter Rock’s book “My Abandonment”) for making an outstanding film story.  ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2.  23 August 2018.