Set during the time period of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, Traces is about the conflict between Turkish soldiers and an Armenian family of farmers living in the mountains. A pair of soldiers, BERK and SONER, approaches the family. They inform them that an oncoming battle is coming their way and they must leave their homes for their own safety. The father, VAHAN, is unwilling to go but reluctantly agrees to leave alongside his wife, KHONARH, and their two children, the hotheaded NISHAN and quiet ANOUSH. As they travel to the first checkpoint, they find an empty village that has been completely decimated as to not leave a trace. Conflicting viewpoints about what could have happened as well as general bickering between the soldiers and the father lead to several confrontational moments, shifting the power within the group as both Berk and Vahan are killed. Two more soldiers, ONUR and DUMAN, are dispatched to investigate whats happened to the Berk and Soner. Forced into survival, Nishan must make difficult decisions if he is to avenge the pain and suffering the soldiers have brought upon his family.