Theodore Twombly can craft wonderfully poignant letters in his job as a writer. His personal life however is deeply troubled following the breakdown of his marriage. Feeling lonely, he purchases a newly developed artificially intelligent Operating System voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
Marvelling at Samantha’s ability to learn, and her unfailing curiosity and usefulness, the two grow closer and eventually begin a relationship. Not having a body, bar an ear piece and a camera, brings unique problems, but also many very relatable issues.
Relationships moves through a range emotions. Throughout Her I felt as though I was part of Theodore and Samantha’s, such was my level of involvement, so whilst it was a tiring experience, it was also invigorating. Jonze has managed to touch on every aspect of a relationship with warmth, humour and an innate understanding of how they can be both amazing and gut wrenching.
Though just a voice, Samantha is smart, sexy, funny and inquisitive. Hesitation on a word as simple as ‘OK’ can mean so much, and Johansson judges it all perfectly. Imbuing tech with sole through voice alone is some achievement.
Matching her performance is Phoenix, whose wistful melancholy is engaging and always the right side of infuriating. If he felt any pressure from the film almost entirely resting upon us looking at his face it doesn’t show, as he moves through a variety of emotions with ease.
Her is a captivating and soulful piece of cinema, using technology to present the intricacies of a relationship. Some may see it as a satirical swipe at our increasing distance from one another through tech. But I see Her as a celebration of how the insanity that is love can change us for the better.
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