MOVIE REVIEW: HER (2013)
Written by Anthony Sargon
Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Where the Wild Things Are) has accomplished something truly wonderful with “Her”. The film, which touches on many themes such as loneliness, love, and technology, deftly blends emotion, humor, and reflection to deliver a truly original experience. The film also features superb performances from a dedicated cast, and it’s hands-down one of the best films of the year, and Jonze’s most complete film to date.
When lonely writer Theodore Twombly purchases a highly advanced operating system (OS) that is designed to meet his every need, the two form an unlikely romantic relationship that takes them on a journey of self-discovery.
Although the movie may seem very high-concept on the surface, Jonze’s execution makes it feel like anything but. You’re immediately sucked into a beautifully realized world, complete with its own fashion-sense, culture, and aesthetic. The world is bright, clean, and somewhat utopian, although its inhabitants are clearly longing for a touch of the past. Theodore, for example, works for a firm that writes “handwritten” letters on behalf of paying customers, which alludes to a sense of clinging to the past and wanting to conserve a more personal form of interaction.
The performances are incredible across-the-board. Joaquin Phoenix gives an Oscar-worthy turn as a highly intelligent but lonely writer, which is a treat to watch given that he’s in almost every shot of the movie. Scarlett Johansson provides some incredible voice-over work to bring his OS, Samantha, to life. She feels real and immensely relatable; in other words, you’d probably date your OS too if it sounded anything remotely like her. Amy Adams and Chris Pratt are also in the film, and they deliver great supporting performances, with Pratt effortlessly providing a number of laughs.
What I like most about the film is Jonze’s beautifully realized vision. The film deals with an extremely weird premise combined with very heavy themes, but Jonze handles it with such care and respect that you end up being completely mesmerized.
The Verdict:
Hauntingly beautiful and immensely resonant, “Her” is easily one of the year’s best. I urge you to check it out.
Numerical Score: 9.5/10
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