Spike Jonze’s Her is a sweet, poignant and yet gently
chilling romantic comedy about a man who falls in love with his computer’s
operating system. Nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, it’s been
met with critical acclaim. It features a fascinating conceit which is deeply
explored and contains some beautiful set and costume design as well as some
exceptional performances. Why is it then that I found it as cold as a
hibernating laptop?
It’s 2025 and Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is a letter writer in Los Angeles. His marriage
has failed and he’s delaying the signing of his divorce papers, holding out for
a second chance which he knows is never going to come. Desperately lonely, he’s
become a slight recluse, distancing himself from friends while maintaining a
false sunny disposition in their company. One day Theodore sports a newly
released operating system (OS) in a mall, one which promises to learn and
adapt, whose artificial intelligence is designed to be more than a computer but
to be a friend. Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) as the OS calls herself, becomes
Theodore’ friend and soon, his lover.
