One Paragraph Review - Her (2013)

Set in the near future, Her follows the relationship between Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) and Samantha (Scarlett Johansson). The twist - Samantha is an artificial intelligence, existing on Ted's home computer as is operating system (the AIs are referred to as OSes in the film). Ted quickly falls in love with the funny, insightful Samantha, a feeling reciprocated by the OS. Problems arise, as they do in any relationship; however, as the film reaches its conclusion, something unforeseen happens that effects Ted, Samantha and all of the AIs...and which I won't reveal. Her is a great movie. It is not perfect; there are some plot points that are not fully developed. However, the story (by Spike Jonze, who also directed) is gripping, addressing a number of themes in a sophisticated fashion. Not only does the movie look at the obvious, the relationship between man and technology. It also addresses issues of how people connect to one another, how we idealize the past, how social media and ubiquitous communication technology creates new modes of community formation and is also a great love story. As a character driven story, Her relies on its cast as much as its writing. Everyone from Phoenix and Johansson on do great jobs. Johansson in particular conveys the complexity of her character using only her voice (the OS is never more than a voice in Ted's ear). An amazing film and one everyone should see and think about.

A movie with Scarlett that does not have her dressed like this? I don't know about that...