Kevin Macdonald’s apocalyptic thriller stars Saoirse Ronan. Genre arm Magnet has earmarked an autumn theatrical release in the US.

How I Live Now is based on Meg Rosoff’s novel and takes place in the near future in the UK on the brink of war and martial law. George MacKay also stars.

Charles Steel, Alasdair Flind, Andrew Ruhemann and John Battsek produced.

“Grandly scaled, beautifully crafted, with a terrific performance from the always great Saoirse Ronan, How I Live Now is equally successful as a tense apocalyptic thriller and a great teenage romance,” said Eamonn Bowles, president of Magnet parent Magnolia Pictures.

“We’re very happy to once again be working with Kevin Macdonald, one of the rare filmmaker who excels at both documentary and narrative features.”

Magnolia/Magnet svp of acquisitions Dori Begley and director of acquisitions Peter Van Steemburg brokered the deal with CAA.

Protagonist Pictures handles international sales on the Film4 and BFI presentation in association with Protagonist Pictures and eOne of a Cowboy Films and Passion Pictures production in association with Prospect Entertainment.

“Having read Meg’s novel I was immediately drawn to adapt this magical, melancholic version of England,” said Macdonald. “This teenage love story is brought to life with a truly fantastic performance from Saoirse, who was a joy and pleasure to work with. I’m delighted that Magnolia are will be releasing the film - and looking forward to be working with them again.”