The Leave No Trace movie of 2018 by Debra Granik depicts a moral dilemma whereby one makes a choice resulting in ethical damage during a conflict circumstance. The movie is about a man, Will, and his teen daughter, Tom, whose home is in a wooded park, away from civilization (“‘Leave no trace’ follows a father and daughter off the grid,” 2018). However, park rangers take them away from the park at one point, and the two start living in a peasant shelter in town offered by a farmer, Walters. Tom adapts to the new social life and makes acquaintances, while her father does not take too well to the social and civilized life. Will compromised Tom’s social and academic life by deciding that the two should go back to the deep country. Will was supposed to answer the paperwork allowing Tom to study at a community school but decided against it at the last minute. Through a sequence of byways and scams, the two manage to go live away from civilization once more. The consequence of the dilemma choice was Tom knew what to do to regain their old life, forcing Tom to live out of sight again, leaving behind her new beloved acquaintance. Also, Will followed his conscience and made the decision solely to make himself happy; without considering Tom’s interests. The dilemma proved Will’s determination to live away from civilization again and improve his life, but at the expense of Tom (2022). Will’s inappropriate actions of the tricks and byways he got involved in to ensure the two live in the deep country violated the righteousness principle that God commands. The dilemma decision went against the authority figure as Will failed to enroll Tom in a local school. Besides, Will’s decision was not best for both of them as Tom needed a social and academic life, but Will compromised that. If I were Tom’s father, I would enroll her in the local school for her educational benefit and find employment in the town to support both of our financial needs. I would let us stay in the town and try adapting to life there too to live comfortable, social, and modern lives with others. My decision is based on the moral principle of what is beneficial for everyone considering I will improve my life situation and that of my daughter too. She will improve herself academically and better her social life. I would stop risking my life in the woods and live in civilization. My decision would validate my moral compass by proving my ability to do the right thing to benefit my life and of my daughter through fairness and justice.
