Starring Saoirse Ronan, Tom Holland
Directed by Kevin Macdonald
Nuclear fallout meets teen romance in Kevin Macdonalds flawed but effective near-future drama How I Live Now.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Meg Rosoff, this adaptation opens with neurotic and lippy American teen Daisy (Saorirse Ronan) travelling to the English countryside to stay with her relatives, including young cousin Isaac (The Impossible star Tom Holland). Something about the picturesque setting doesnt seem quite right tanks file down the streets, jets scream overhead and TV news outlets are awash with insurgent attack headlines. We soon learn the world could be on the brink of WWIII as terrorists begin a UK siege that culminates in a devastating nuclear attack on London; an effectively chilling scene set well outside the city.
After being initially withdrawn, Daisy soon begins to soften and strikes up a romance with handsome Edmund (George MacKay) only to be separated from him by military forces. She soon must travel with young Piper (Harley Bird) on a dangerous journey to reunite with her newfound love.
For the most part, Macdonald paints a profound and often grim portrait of an unsettling future with several outstanding scenes that linger in the mind long after the film is over. Yet, How I Live Now succumbs to familiar young adult romance tropes that often fail to match the emotional resonance of the storys themes. However, Ronans powerful and unflinching portrayal of Daisy is another masterstroke for the young actress and gives the movie, along with Macdonalds keen direction, a healthy injection of credibility.
