Review of Her (2013) by Loyal D — 22 Jun 2015

Although the futuristic technology and world that brings "Her" to life might seem unrealistic - the emotional undertones Jonze addresses with his screenplay are far from it.

At the heart of "Her" is a world where technological advances have paved the way for a world of ease that we today can only dream of. Within this universe of comfort and automation where everything is meant to be connected, we find no such things. Jonze's film is a play on not only how far we've come with technology today -but the rather unsettling dependence we will most certainly have for it in the near-future. There is an optimistic feeling to the notion of having technology that you are able to engage with mentally, emotionally, and (somewhat) physically, and 'Her' shows us the good and the bad sides to it.

What's so brilliant about the film is that even though it revolves around a man and his operating system girlfriend, the elements and complications involved within the characters' relationships are written like a piece of poetry. In a futuristic world of advanced technology and high-waisted pants (no jeans allowed, apparently), Jonze's writing gives a layer of authenticity by capturing the rollercoaster of emotions involved with giving yourself to another and falling in love. The screenplay really is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the film's concept, to the dialogue between characters, it's a beautiful and ingenious ride.

Joaquin Phoenix plays the film's main character and is fantastic in doing so. On the surface, it might seem that this role differs from his usual 'damaged and unstable' characters he is becoming known for playing, but as the film goes on, you realize that Theodore Twombley (Phoenix) really isn't that different from those characters. There is a deeply rooted sense of loneliness that echoes throughout Phoenix's face while the blues of his eyes feels like an ocean of sadness. Spending his days working at a job writing letters for other people's loved ones seems to be the only joy he feels as the movie begins. But, after he finishes a letter or his day or work, it seems to serve as a reminder that he himself has no one to write these letters to. It is not until Samantha arrives that we get to see that deep down there is an overwhelming sense of joy and childlike wonder within Theo, just waiting to reach the surface. Theodore may not be actively seeking the emotional connection he so desperately seems to need, but he ends up finding it in the most unexpected place. Throughout the film, it becomes clear that his longing for some (any) type of connection and willingness to invest himself entirely within that connection is what he needed all along to truly bring back the excitement for the world he once had. Scarlett Johansson and Amy Adams are both tremendous in the film. But, the film's message, story, and innovation is what truly sets it apart.