First of let me say that I didn't mind the love-story or the connection between the involved... - However it fills the later half of the movie to an extent that is just syrupy and sappy in the extreme. No way that anyone sane is going to be that obsessed by a boy while world war III is occurring around her - At least I hope not... Saoirse Ronan is exceptional, while the rest doesn't have much of a story. The production is notably cheap, but it is still pretty well made on a budget. Way to many cuts though. As an introduction to the cozy catastrophe version of the post apocalyptic genre it is interesting, but sadly could have had so much more impact if the love story were either removed entirely or at the very least dialed way down. A much better look at this genre is Terry Nations's classic "Survivor" TV-series from 1978.

My advice for anyone would be to give this film a go, I'd stress any new viewer not to be put off by the film's first twenty minutes or so, during that time, you like me will probably be struggling to keep an interest, where we see stereotypical American teenage spoilt brat forced to spend time in dreary Britain, where cats climb the dinner table and people drive thirty year old cars. If you can get past the rather soppy 'falling in love' aspect of the film (tough stretch I grant you as it's the main thread of the film) what you get is a movie featuring some frankly scary and dark realism. The impact of terrorism first on the idyllic lives of the film's youngsters, and then on the country as a whole was delivered in a harsh and unpalatable way, which made the film very watchable.You could argue the film is over sentimental, I even heard someone say it felt like terrorists had invaded The Twilight Sage, I can understand, the 'true love' did seem a little overplayed, stretch belief beyond that and it's a film well worth watching.Saoirse Ronan is good value for money, the transformation in her character was very well done. (Had a Turn left feel, DW fans!)Worth a watch 7/10

Incest and terrorism are both horrible. This is a movie that explores both.An Anerican teenager and her English cousin embark on a sexual relationship against the backdrop of WW3 but get separated and she must go on a journey to be reunited after a terror attack in London separates them.Phoned in performances meet flat direction in a movie that doesn't know whether it's trying to be thought provoking, romance or thriller and ends up falling short on all three instead of succeeding at any of them.Pure garbage. AVOID!

How I Live Now is an interesting look at what happens to a group of young people who are left to fend for themselves once World War 3 breaks out. The main character is a self obsessed girl visiting from America, who has to grow up in a hurry once her and her cousins are rounded up and separated by the army. The cousins all vow to make their way back to their house no matter where they are taken. This story is fairly well made, with equal time spent developing characters and allowing the story to unfold. The acting is good for the most part, with Saoirse Ronan doing a terrific job in the main role. Although it sometimes seems a little too unbelievable in parts, overall this post apocalyptic film strives for a smaller more intimate portrayal of the aftermath, and does a decent job accomplishing just that. 3 Beards Out Of 5