enriching through the acceptance of failure

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 2014)

Her follows the classic relationship phases of initiation, development and subsequent breakdown. Theodore, a lonely man without any real interests sees his life transform by the arrival of Samantha, artificial intelligence that's supposed to answer to his desires. as soon as Samantha is introduced, the film becomes oddly familiar in modern times as Theodore gradually achieves intimacy with her. it feels strange how authentic their bond, and later, their relationship, is.
"Her" is a romance, yes, but it immediately insinuates the breakup without trying to have the reservoir of hysteria that seems synonymous with the genre - nothing is here but softness and subtlety. by according Samantha full autonomy and intuitive reactions close to human behavior, Spike Jonze is able to explore more universal and concrete roads in a manner that hints but doesn't highlight, all inside a beautiful retro-futuristic setting that borders on timelessness.
as viewers, Theodore is our only point of reference. we can't identify with Samantha. we just observe her, learn about her and even have virtual sex with her on occasion.. but the constant upgrade of her existence keeps her beyond our grasp, and so our fascination with her, the wonderful mystique, is increasingly heightened.
Samantha's last upgrade saw her evolve, with other OSes, beyond their human companions, and subsequently leave to further explore her existence. this notion of technological singularity that the film exceptionally brings up is very humbling and sad because it acutely emphasizes the limitations of our human existence. this also brings to my mind the possibility of us being too stupid for supposed superior and advanced aliens to be interested in us or even to notice us. the indication of our species compared to other life forms on Earth has long been our greater intelligence. despite the countless worrisome occurrences of failure of our collective intellect, intelligence is something we pride ourselves with and even celebrate. i could think of nothing more ego crushing than suddenly to be aware of our ultimate intrinsic frailty in this beautiful way.
Her is a film that only makes true sense if it is experienced to the end of its capacity, to the end of reason. only then it becomes so enriching through the acceptance of failure.