On paper, the pieces of Her seem a bit much. I mean, a lovelorn, ukelele-playing man (Theodore, ably played by Joaquin Phoenix) falling for his rapidly-evolving operating system (Samantha, as voiced charmingly by Scarlett Johansson)? Fortunately, writer-director Spike Jonze excitedly explores modern relationships and the near future with a zeal that pulls us along with him and elevates the film beyond a whimsical premise. Without drawing too much attention to it, he creates a plausible world while Theodore and Samantha attempt to construct their own.
Upon emerging from the film, the key discussion topic between my fellow moviegoers was how we should view Samantha and Theodore's relationship. Luddites and Terminator fans would suggest that the story is a purely tragic affair of a man being consumed by a complex but lifeless virtual world. In the face of the rapidly approaching singularity, it's common to hear the argument that the simplicity and usability of artificial intelligence cannot match the complexity of human thought and emotion. It's possible that Samantha is just programmed to do exactly what Theodore needs; through their relationship, she helps him get over his ex-wife and makes him realize that his marriage ending doesn't prevent new beginnings. But Jonze isn't content to just leave us with an anti-technology message.