FILM REVIEW | Her

Technology. Its advancement in the 21^st century has given us ease and comfort in order to live easier and more efficient lives. But what if technology advances so much that it evolves into its own person; with thoughts and feelings; with hopes and dreams; with aspirations and achievements for growth; for understanding; maybe even, for love. Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Pheonix) and OS1 Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) are about to embark on seeing the seemingly infinite possibilities of the evolution of Technology.

The Story

This is not your typical love story. In an era where online dating has become the norm and iPhones are becoming preferable due to its in-built responsive operating system, it’s a no-brainer that someone would combine the two and create something to ponder upon. Twisting Big Bang Theory’s comedic take on Raj falling in love with Siri on it’s head, Her questions the possibilities of falling in love with something with particular qualities of human beings and the nature of relationships.

Following a man who’s going through a disheartening divorce and comparing it to his relationship with his personalised operating system, Her combines the complications of human relationships to that of an ever changing technological advancement, which – in its nature – appears to be limitless in its capability to perform human-like tasks without physically embodying a human form.

I love the concept and the nature of the story. I found it fascinating that having an operating system with a personality is what brings the idea of the possibility of forming a relationship between man and computer together. I also love the striking contrast of having the physical relationships with people work alongside the individual relationships with their OSs. It’s a beautiful concept that was executed just as wonderfully.

The Cast

Joaquin Pheonix is an incredible lead as he takes you on the highs and lows of being in and out of relationships. There’s sadness in his joy and brightness in his solemnity. He understands the complexity of the relationships that Theodore enters into and opens himself to, but also captures the struggle that he goes through in attempting to understand the evolutions, dissolutions and resolutions of those relations.

Scarlett Johansson by far receives my congratulations on her performance. Even if her role was mainly to lend her voice to the commands of what it means to be an operation system, she really does bring Samantha to life. She completely grasps the struggles that Samantha has in terms of her evolution and the anxious excitement of that growth. As Theodore began to believe in entering a forever with Samantha, Johansson made you believe in that possibility too.

Overall, this film has a beautiful concept that touches the heart. It’s one to take your love ones to and discuss afterwards. It’s one that will get you talking and thinking.

Star Rating: ★★★★

Next of sL: I, Frankenstein