Review of Her (2013) by Vanessa V — 24 May 2015

This movie is probably my favourite of 2013, just for how different and charming it is, I'm jealous of Spike Jonze for writing this on his debut.

This movie is based in the not so distant future and our main character is Theodore played by Joaquin Phoenix whom is a sad, lonely, distant writer who is struggling to come to terms with his divorce (Now this movie may seem to be set up to be a big cliché but it doesn't and trust me when I say whenever you think this movie is going to go somewhere, just stop yourself and enjoy how wrong you probably are).

Theodore comes across a new intelligence computer operating system (OS) called Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) at first Theodore is sceptical but soon becomes fascinated by her and she is equally as fascinated in him and their relationship begins to develop. This is when I thought "this is make or break for me" thankfully though it didn't break, this film was going to be good; I don't know if its Scarlett Johansson voice seducing me or AMAZING writing from Spike Jonze, I brought it! I mean the whole idea of this seems farfetched but then again technology is coming over leaps and bounds (if these do get made I'm purchasing one straight away!) but most importantly they made me believe it.

Anyway with seemingly more people catching on with the craze, this is the time when their relationship is put to the test. When Theodore becomes hesitant after finding out his wife's opinions on his new relationship and Samantha seemingly at the time desperately curious for physical interaction, things seem to be going sour but when Theodore talks to his friend Amy (Amy Adams) she opens up about how she doesn't care about other opinions and how she now has an OS. Theodore takes Amy outlook on life he decides to accept that he is happy with Samantha and embraces it but Samantha on the other hand is on a path of discovery after joining a group of OS's and she starts realising to embrace what she is.

The shooting of this movie is charming and the honesty with the way that the shots portray Theodore's memories and tell the whole story, accented with beautifully melodic music (performed by Arcade Fire I found out).

Not to mention some truly weird comedic scenes (dead cat scene and not to forget the little alien on his computer game) throughout the movie the balance between those funny and serious tones complements the movie well.

Outstanding!