How I Live Now Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A moody American teen goes to England, makes out with her cousin, then runs through the war-torn countryside to find him again, proving love conquers all, even poor script writing.

🍿 How I Live Now: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival and Initial Discomfort

Daisy, an American teenager, is sent to stay with her cousins in the English countryside for the summer. Initially resistant and withdrawn, she finds the rural setting and her relatives – Isaac, Piper, Edmond, and Joe – alien and unsettling. She spends much of her time glued to her phone, disconnected from her surroundings and the people around her.

Finding Connection and Romance

As Daisy spends more time with her cousins, she begins to shed her hardened exterior. She forms a close bond with Piper, the youngest cousin, and develops romantic feelings for Edmond, the quiet and enigmatic older cousin. The idyllic summer days are filled with bike rides, swimming, and a growing sense of belonging.

The War and the Disruption

Their peaceful existence is shattered when a nuclear attack throws the country into chaos. The cousins are left to fend for themselves as society crumbles around them. Cut off from communication and resources, they must rely on their wits and each other to survive. Daisy and Edmond’s relationship deepens amidst the turmoil.

Separation and Struggle

The cousins are eventually separated by soldiers and sent to different refugee camps. Daisy is determined to find her way back to Edmond and Piper. She endures hardship and danger, witnessing the brutality and desperation of a world at war. Her journey transforms her from a detached teenager into a resilient survivor.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Daisy (Saoirse Ronan): A resentful American teenager who finds love and strength while struggling to survive in war-torn England.
• Eddie (George MacKay): Daisy’s older cousin and love interest, who shares a strong connection with her and faces the horrors of war.
• Piper (Harley Bird): Daisy’s younger cousin, who relies on Daisy for survival and demonstrates remarkable bravery.
• Isaac (Tom Holland): A young cousin, close to Daisy, who is seperated and caught in the conflict.
• Aunt Penn (Anna Chancellor): The aunt and guardian to Eddie, Piper, and Isaac, who works in security and leaves the children before the war intensifies.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Daisy: “Before the war I used my willpower for stupid stuff, like not eating chocolate. I think I thought if I could control myself, then maybe the world around me would start to make sense. I guess I was pretty naive back then.” – Daisy reflects on how her priorities shifted dramatically after experiencing the harsh realities of war and loss.
• Daisy: “During the war, we stopped looking for reasons why things happen.” – She reflects that in the face of chaos and senseless violence, the need for rational explanations fades.
• Daisy: “You just gotta take that bad thing. You take it. You put it in a box. You close the lid, you look up and you focus on your goal. Okay? Because that’s what you have to do now. You have to look up and focus on your goal!” – She tries to motivate Piper to keep going.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $60,213
• Worldwide Gross: $925,762

💥 How I Live Now Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie not knowing what to expect, and I was completely blown away! Saoirse Ronan’s performance is incredible. I felt every emotion Daisy experienced. The scenes in the English countryside were so beautiful. The sudden shift to the war zone was jarring and effective. I really connected with Daisy’s determination to find Eddie. Their reunion hit me hard in the feels. This movie stayed with me long after the credits rolled. I highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dystopian dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong female leads”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Mature language”
  • “Brief sexuality”
  • “Disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “How I Live Now offers a raw and unflinching look at war through the eyes of a teenager. Saoirse Ronan delivers a compelling performance, capturing the character’s emotional journey. While the plot occasionally veers into unrealistic territory, the film’s powerful visuals and haunting score make it a worthwhile watch.
• Empire Magazine: “A thought-provoking drama with strong performances. The film’s strength lies in its intimate portrayal of survival. It successfully portrays a teen romance amidst chaos. However, it struggles to balance the coming-of-age story with the backdrop of war, resulting in a somewhat uneven narrative.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Kevin Macdonald crafts a visually striking adaptation of Meg Rosoff’s novel. Saoirse Ronan’s compelling performance grounds the film. It portrays a dystopian reality through the lens of adolescence. The screenplay however fails to fully develop the complex themes of war and resilience.

Audience Reactions

The raw emotion of Saoirse Ronan’s performance was incredible.: Viewers loved the powerful and emotional journey of the main character.

The film perfectly captured the innocent charm of youth amidst chaos.: Many praised the movie for being a heartfelt, coming-of-age war story.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film. The film combines a coming-of-age story with a backdrop of war and survival.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Kevin Macdonald initially wanted to cast unknown or amateur actors, searching for a 16-year-old American girl to play Daisy. He cast Saoirse Ronan, who was 18 and Irish, after being moved to tears by her audition.”
• “The film was shot in Wales, utilizing the picturesque countryside to emphasize the contrast between the idyllic setting and the horrors of war.”
• “The film is based on Meg Rosoff’s novel of the same name, a book that gained popularity for its unique perspective on war through the eyes of a teenager.”

🖥️ How to Watch How I Live Now?

How I Live Now is currently available for streaming through various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video (rental or purchase), Apple TV (rental or purchase), and potentially on other streaming services depending on your region. Check JustWatch or similar services to find all available streaming and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed How I Live Now, you might like these similar films:

• Testament (1983): It vividly portrays the aftermath of a nuclear war on a small community, focusing on the emotional impact on ordinary people.
• The Road (2009): A father and son’s harrowing journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape, emphasizing survival and the importance of human connection amidst devastation.
• Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010): A group of teenagers in Australia must learn to survive and fight back when their country is invaded by a foreign power.
• The Book of Eli (2010): Set in a post-apocalyptic America, the movie follows a lone wanderer protecting a sacred book that holds the key to humanity’s survival.

🛒 How I Live Now Related Products

• How I Live Now (Movie Soundtrack): Listen to the haunting and atmospheric soundtrack of How I Live Now. The songs perfectly capture the film’s themes of love, loss, and survival during wartime. Experience the emotional resonance of the movie anytime, anywhere.
• Saoirse Ronan Film Collection (DVD): A collection of films starring Saoirse Ronan, including ‘How I Live Now.’ This collection showcases her range as an actress, from intense dramas to fantastical adventures. Perfect for any fan of her work and a great way to explore her filmography.
• War Survival Guide: Learn how to survive in the wilderness with this comprehensive guide. Packed with essential survival skills, navigation techniques, and tips for finding food and shelter, this guide will help you prepare for any emergency situation.
• Land Rover Series IIA Diecast Model: Own a piece of movie history with this detailed diecast model of the Land Rover Series IIA featured in the film. This is a must-have for any collector.

🎧 Soundtrack

How I Live Now features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Do It With A Rockstar” – performed by Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Saoirse Ronan on How I Live Now | Film4 Interview Special

Ever wondered what Saoirse Ronan thought about playing such a strong female character in ‘How I Live Now’? This Film4 interview dives deep into her experiences and the film’s themes – definitely worth a watch to get her perspective!

How I Live Now — making of featurette

Want to see how ‘How I Live Now’ was actually made? This featurette gives you a peek behind the curtain with some awesome behind-the-scenes footage. It’s fascinating to see how they brought the story to life!

Saoirse Ronan on her First Sex Scene In ‘How I Live Now’

Curious about what it’s like to film your first sex scene? Saoirse Ronan gets real about her experience in ‘How I Live Now’ in this short clip. Her honesty is super refreshing!

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