A thought-provoking film

Rating: 8/10 (21 February 2014)

"Her" is one of the most thought-provoking films of 2013. The premise is so simple, accessible and even understandable in a rapidly evolving world where human-machine interactions are becoming richer and more meaningful by the day. Yet it is not the technology that drives this film, this is no Sci-Fi escapade, instead it is a film full of heart which explores the subject of what it really means to be human.
Spike Jonze is no stranger to strange worlds and in comparison to some of his previous films, the world of "Her" is strange in a measured and beautiful way. There is no glaringly obvious futuristic thingummy that gives off this aura, it is an overall evolution of our world and people that makes it different. The men are wonderfully sensitive, and bereft of "manliness" and all the negativity that it brings. People appear to live richer and more open lives in a world where true, unreserved equality is a reality and not an idea to be pursued. Even the fashion and music are a tasteful evolution of the current trends, which makes it believable. Perhaps the amount of the work done to create this world will go unnoticed given the context of the film, but it is an amazing effort nonetheless.
As for the plot, the film deals with the loneliness of one man who is able to love, yet unable to handle the natural changes and the growth of the person of his affections. So, when he meets Samantha, the AI with its own consciousness, it seemed like the perfect partner with none of the disadvantages unique to a "real" person. But reality is just a sum total of our experiences and in that sense Samantha is no less "real", and her consciousness is fraught with the same perils as the rest of us, which Joaquin Phoenix's character discovers much to his dismay. But Samantha is more than just human, she is more conscious and aware. She is of this world, yet out of this world. Samantha changes him in a way no human companion could have. Joaquin Phoenix is mesmerizing and it is an absolute travesty that he hasn't even received a nomination for his utterly consuming portrayal of Theodore.
Ultimately, the film is a subtle commentary about things to come. questions to be answered and changes to be embraced. How we go about it will define us as a species and determine whether we have a future as "humans" or not. 8/10