It’s truly remarkable that, despite Saoirse Ronan being widely recognized as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, she is still in the early stages of her career. With an impressive four Academy Award nominations under her belt and collaborations with some of the most acclaimed directors in the film industry, Ronan has managed to defy the typical trajectory expected of child stars. She has consistently selected fascinating projects, opting for depth over mainstream appeal, such as avoiding the predictable path of starring in superhero blockbusters. While her filmography may not be flawless, it is worth noting that Ronan delivered one of her most subtle yet impactful performances in the speculative science fiction thriller How I Live Now.

How I Live Now is adapted from a well-known novel featuring young protagonists, yet it distinguishes itself from typical young adult adaptations like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. Instead, How I Live Now serves as a profound commentary on the fragility of society and the potential for collapse in the face of nuclear warfare. Released in 2013 amidst heightened American tensions in the Middle East, Kevin MacDonald presents a chilling vision of the future. This film confronts significant themes, and Ronan’s performance encapsulates the challenges of coming of age in tumultuous times, making it an essential watch for those who appreciate thoughtful cinema.

Discover the Compelling Narrative of ‘How I Live Now’

How I Live Now is set in a dystopian future where the United Kingdom faces a significant threat from terrorists equipped with devastating weapons of mass destruction. Ronan portrays Daisy Rybeck, a strong-willed American teenager who is sent to England to stay with relatives at a time when tensions are escalating. Initially reluctant to be cooped up in the English countryside with a family she’s unfamiliar with, Daisy gradually forms deep connections with her cousins: Eddie (George MacKay), Isaac (Tom Holland), Piper (Harley Bird), and their neighbor, Joe (Danny McEvoy). The situation takes a dire turn when her Aunt Penn (Anna Chancellor) departs for a Geneva conference, only for a terrorist attack to rock London, thrusting Daisy and her newfound family into a fight for survival.

How I Live Now invests considerable time in establishing Daisy’s character before the onslaught of conflict arrives, ensuring that the eventual revelation of war feels all the more poignant. It becomes clear that while Daisy enjoys some privilege, her deep insecurities about the future loom large. The film’s early moments are crucial as they depict Daisy’s attempts to connect with her family, grounding her character in emotional reality. These early interactions reveal that beneath her abrasive exterior lies a capacity for empathy, which is further emphasized as she navigates the harsh realities of war. The tender romance that develops between Daisy and Eddie is treated with care, making their eventual separation all the more heartbreaking. Both Ronan and McKay deliver performances that are rich in emotional complexity, making their love story resonate powerfully with viewers.

Explore the Unique Perspective of War in ‘How I Live Now’

How I Live Now offers a distinctive portrayal of war through the eyes of a young person, intentionally avoiding the extensive exposition often found in films about conflict. Daisy, still grappling with the absence of her father, embarks on a harrowing journey through England, searching for safety and resources amidst chaos. Ronan skillfully conveys Daisy’s confusion and fear as she grapples with the conflicting demands placed upon her; while the government pressures Eddie to enlist in the fight against terrorism, Daisy is consumed by the dread of losing him. The attempts by soldiers to separate the children are incomprehensible to a young girl who is primarily focused on keeping the boy she loves safe from the chaos around them.

How I Live Now serves as a poignant exploration of the transition from adolescence to adulthood, highlighting how Daisy develops maternal instincts as she cares for Piper. True strength often lies in envisioning a brighter future, even when circumstances seem bleak; the fact that this bravery emerges from a young girl with limited experience in the world speaks volumes about Ronan’s strength as an actress. Although How I Live Now can be starkly dark at times, Ronan’s unwavering confidence transforms Daisy’s journey into one of hope and inspiration.

Why ‘How I Live Now’ Stands Out from Typical Science Fiction Dramas

The science fiction genre is often linked with grandiose spectacles typical of franchises like Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but How I Live Now adopts a more grounded approach to depicting the potential realities of an apocalyptic world. A key aspect of the film is its deliberate avoidance of specific references to the time period, technology, or contemporary events that shape Daisy’s journey, lending it a timeless quality that allows it to resonate across generations. Upon its release, How I Live Now echoed widespread fears of societal breakdown and conflict, reflecting the anxieties stemming from the fallout of the Iraq War and the ongoing threat of terrorism. Even a decade later, its themes remain alarmingly relevant, drawing parallels to current crises such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

How I Live Now excels in isolating its characters, which serves to amplify Ronan’s performance. Many films that make bold predictions about the future tend to spend considerable time on exposition, yet How I Live Now restricts the audience’s understanding of the situation to Daisy and her family’s perspective, making the narrative more relatable and immersive. The decision to eliminate clear channels of communication is a powerful creative choice that avoids common plot contrivances. It also critiques the authoritarian regime that has failed to protect or even acknowledge the young people in jeopardy. One of the reasons behind the intense hardships depicted in How I Live Now is Daisy’s lack of understanding regarding her family’s separation, emphasizing the emotional burden of such disregard. Although it is framed as a young adult adaptation targeting a teenage audience, the film engages with considerably mature themes.

Related

There Isn’t Another Movie Quite Like This Intense Saoirse Ronan Drama

They say the first time is always the worst.

Ronan’s captivating performance is undoubtedly a significant factor behind the overwhelming critical acclaim How I Live Now received, but it is essential to recognize that this film also marks another strong entry in the directorial repertoire of Kevin MacDonald. While MacDonald may not enjoy the same level of name recognition as directors like Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese, he has consistently proven his ability to craft intense, politically charged thrillers that fearlessly address controversial subjects. His direction in the acclaimed biopic <em>The Last King of Scotland</em> earned Forest Whitaker an Academy Award for Best Actor, while his recent work in The Mauritanian stands out as one of the few cinematic explorations of the post-9/11 landscape that scrutinizes the rise of Islamophobia. Although MacDonald has shifted his focus towards documentaries and television in recent years, How I Live Now showcases his considerable potential should he decide to return to high-concept narrative filmmaking.

Understanding the Significance of ‘How I Live Now’ in Saoirse Ronan’s Evolving Career

How I Live Now plays a pivotal role in Ronan’s evolution from a child actress, effectively showcasing her growth and maturation as a performer. That same year, she garnered her second Academy Award nomination for her role as a young Irish immigrant in <em>Brooklyn</em>, which led to a series of acclaimed performances in films such as On Chesil Beach, Lady Bird, Little Women, Foe, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and The Outrun. While How I Live Now serves as a compelling exploration of nuclear anxieties presented through beautifully crafted visuals, its significance within the trajectory of one of the most gifted actresses of our time elevates it to essential viewing for cinema enthusiasts.

How I Live Now is currently streaming on Max in the U.S.

WATCH ON MAX