How I Live Now

How I Live Now

Year: 2013

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Kevin Macdonald

ActionDramaThrillerWar

Seeking escape from personal struggles, an American teenager, Daisy, travels to the English countryside. There, she unexpectedly finds connection with the beautiful landscape and develops a complicated romance with Edmund. However, their newfound peace is shattered as Europe is engulfed in a devastating conflict, forcing Daisy to confront a brutal reality and fight for survival in a war-torn nation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen How I Live Now yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

How I Live Now (2013) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of How I Live Now (2013), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

A film adapted from the bestselling novel by Meg Rossoff, this story follows fifteen-year-old Elizabeth, who prefers the name Daisy. Sent by her father and stepmother to stay with her cousins—Osbert, Isaac, Edmond, and Piper—and her Aunt Penn in England, Daisy gradually forms deep connections with her relatives. Among them, she shares an especially unique bond with the semi-telepathic and bright Edmond, portrayed by George MacKay. As she immerses herself in the tranquil lifestyle of the English countryside, Daisy begins to feel a sense of belonging for the first time in her life.

However, the quietude is disrupted as whispers of impending conflict begin to surface, and Aunt Penn is dispatched to assist in the Peace Process. With her departure and eventual disappearance, the children are left without adult supervision, which allows Daisy and Edmond’s bond to evolve into something above mere cousinly affection. Their serene existence is violently interrupted by the emergence of World War III, leading to Daisy and Piper’s separation from Edmond, Isaac, and Osbert.

Now amidst hostile territories during the futuristic “occupation,” Daisy finds herself in a dire situation, desperately striving to bring her family back together amidst the chaos and destruction that threatens to tear them apart. After enduring horrific experiences and finally returning home with Piper, she discovers a traumatized Edmond, who has also come back. In her attempt to nurse him back to health, Daisy confronts the realities of their shattered lives, desperately clinging to hope in a world seemingly consumed by war.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:41

Unlock the Full Story of How I Live Now

Don't stop at just watching — explore How I Live Now in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what How I Live Now is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

How I Live Now Timeline

Track the full timeline of How I Live Now with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

How I Live Now Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in How I Live Now

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape How I Live Now. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in How I Live Now

More About How I Live Now

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about How I Live Now: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About How I Live Now

Similar Movies to How I Live Now

Discover movies like How I Live Now that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.