Her is a futuristic fantasy about a man (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with his artificially intelligent operating system (Scarlett Johansson).

While at first glance, the premise feels somewhat kitschy, this film stakes its narrative ground upon a firm and sensitively established emotional foundation—which is what makes it both satisfying and appealing.

Having recently separated from his wife, Theodore is feeling dislocated with the world. His days are spent writing love letters for others (the future for copywriters perhaps?), yet he has lost his own connection with those around him.

One day he sees an advertisement for a new, intuitive AI operating system, and decides to give it a go. His OS is named Samantha, and she is designed to get to know Theodore. A friendship is soon formed between the pair.

While Theodore is unable to express himself to the people in his life, he feels he can be honest with Samantha. The longer they spend together, the more ‘human’ she becomes—experiencing her own feelings, fears and emotions.

HERTheir bond continues to strengthen until their relationship crosses the line of friendship, into something sexual and something inimically real.

There’s no doubt that technology has forever altered the breadth of human relationships, but what acclaimed director Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich) has captured here speaks more about the relationship we have with ourselves, and the increasing desire to seek the ‘perfect’ mate.

It’s a powerful and beautiful film that explores the limits and strengths of this unlikely pairing. Falling in love with an artificial system designed to meet your every need ultimately raises the question as to whether we’re designed to ever compute the flaws of others.

Johansson is incredible as Samantha. Although we never ‘see’ her, we get to know her through her voice and her thoughts. Phoenix also spends a large part of this film alone, carrying scenes by himself, and doing so in a really interesting and provoking way.

Her is a different kind of romance, but it’s a lovely film that effortlessly transports you to a place in the not too distant future where we may all find ourselves open to new concepts of connection and love.

A touch existential?—yes. Does it go a little over time?—also yes. But, Her is also one of the most interesting and powerfully performed films of late, and deserves the accolades that will no doubt follow for the writer/director and acting leads.

Directed & Written by: Spike Jonze

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson

Rating: MA15+

Runtime: 126min

Release Date: 16 Jan 2014

Reviewer rating: 4/5