How I Live Now (2013) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“How I Live Now” (2013), directed by Kevin Macdonald, is a poignant drama that combines elements of romance and dystopian fiction. Based on the novel by Meg Rosoff, the film stars Saoirse Ronan, Tom Holland, and Anna Chancellor. It tells the story of a young American girl who must navigate the harsh realities of a world at war while discovering love and personal strength. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, performances, and where you can stream or rent How I Live Now online.
Plot Summary: Love and Survival in a Dystopian World
How I Live Now follows Daisy (Saoirse Ronan), a teenage American girl who travels to England to stay with her cousins for the summer. What begins as a promising escape from her troubled life in New York quickly turns into a fight for survival when a sudden outbreak of war devastates Europe.
As Daisy settles into her new life, she begins to form close bonds with her cousins, particularly Eddie (George MacKay). A romance blossoms between Daisy and Eddie, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. However, their newfound happiness is abruptly shattered when war disrupts their idyllic life.
Separated from her family and forced into hiding, Daisy must use her wits and determination to survive in a world where safety and normalcy are rapidly disappearing. Her journey through the war-torn landscape challenges her sense of identity and resilience, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of love and sacrifice.
Performances: Saoirse Ronan Shines in a Complex Role
The film features strong performances that bring depth to its characters:
- Saoirse Ronan stars as Daisy, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance. Ronan’s portrayal captures Daisy’s emotional transformation from a self-absorbed teenager to a determined survivor. Her performance adds significant emotional weight to the film’s narrative.
- Tom Holland plays Piper, one of Daisy’s younger cousins. Holland’s performance provides a touching portrayal of innocence and vulnerability amidst the harsh realities of war.
- George MacKay appears as Eddie, Daisy’s love interest. MacKay’s performance conveys the strength and compassion of Eddie, enhancing the romantic and emotional elements of the film.
- Anna Chancellor and Harriet Walter also contribute strong performances as the family matriarchs, adding depth to the film’s portrayal of family dynamics.
Direction and Cinematography: A Gritty and Emotional Journey
Director Kevin Macdonald crafts a film that balances intimate personal stories with the broader impact of war. His direction effectively captures the emotional and physical challenges faced by the characters, blending moments of romance with the stark realities of conflict.
The cinematography by Christian Berger complements the film’s tone with its use of naturalistic lighting and desaturated color palettes. The visual style enhances the film’s portrayal of a world in upheaval, contrasting the beauty of the English countryside with the devastation of war.
The film’s score, composed by Nico Muhly, adds to the emotional depth of the story, providing a haunting and evocative musical backdrop that underscores the film’s themes of love and survival.
Themes: Love, Survival, and Personal Growth
How I Live Now explores several key themes:
- Love and Relationships: The film highlights the transformative power of love in the face of adversity. Daisy’s relationship with Eddie is central to the story, illustrating how personal connections can provide strength and hope in difficult times.
- Survival and Resilience: Daisy’s journey through a war-torn world emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability. The film portrays her struggle to survive and protect her loved ones, showcasing the challenges and sacrifices required in times of crisis.
- Personal Growth: The film examines Daisy’s growth from a self-centered teenager to a mature and self-reliant individual. Her experiences during the war lead to a deeper understanding of herself and her values.
Critique: A Moving and Thoughtful Drama
How I Live Now has been praised for its emotional depth and strong performances, particularly from Saoirse Ronan. The film’s portrayal of a dystopian world provides a powerful backdrop for exploring personal and romantic themes.
The film’s combination of romance and dystopian elements creates a unique and engaging narrative. However, some viewers may find the pacing slow or the transition between romantic and dramatic elements jarring. Additionally, the film’s adaptation of the novel has been noted for its differences from the source material, which may affect how fans of the book perceive the story.
Despite these considerations, How I Live Now offers a moving and thought-provoking experience that resonates with its exploration of love, survival, and personal growth.
Where to Watch How I Live Now Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching How I Live Now, here are the platforms where you can stream or rent the film online in the U.S.:
1. Amazon Prime Video
How I Live Now is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it in HD on various devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.
2. Apple TV
The film is also available for rental and purchase on Apple TV, providing a convenient option for users with Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
You can rent or purchase How I Live Now on Google Play Movies & TV, accessible on Android devices, smart TVs, or through a web browser.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers the film for rent and purchase in HD, making it another option for viewers across different devices.
5. YouTube Movies
How I Live Now is available for rent or purchase on YouTube Movies, allowing viewers to watch it on multiple platforms.
Why You Should Watch How I Live Now
How I Live Now is a compelling drama that combines romance with a dystopian setting to explore themes of love, survival, and personal growth. With Saoirse Ronan’s powerful performance and Kevin Macdonald’s thoughtful direction, the film offers a moving and engaging cinematic experience.
Whether you’re streaming it on Amazon, renting it on Google Play, or watching on Apple TV, How I Live Now provides a poignant and reflective story that resonates with its exploration of human resilience and emotional connections.
Final Thoughts
How I Live Now (2013) is a poignant and emotionally resonant drama that blends romance with dystopian fiction. Directed by Kevin Macdonald and featuring a standout performance from Saoirse Ronan, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of love, survival, and personal growth amidst the backdrop of a world at war.
While the film’s pacing and adaptation of the novel may present challenges for some viewers, it remains a notable entry in the genre for its ability to combine intimate personal stories with broader themes of resilience and transformation. Whether revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, How I Live Now provides a meaningful and impactful cinematic experience.
