Her Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sad dude buys Siri and then gets dumped for the entire internet; modern love, am I right?

🍿 Her: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lonely in the Near Future

Theodore Twombly, a sensitive and lonely man living in a near-future Los Angeles, works writing heartfelt letters for people. He’s going through a painful divorce from his childhood sweetheart, Catherine, and struggles to connect with others. His apartment reflects his emotional state: minimalist, muted, and isolating.

Meeting Samantha

Theodore decides to purchase a new operating system (OS1) advertised as the world’s first artificially intelligent OS. He chooses a female voice and names her Samantha. Samantha is designed to adapt and evolve, quickly becoming attuned to Theodore’s needs and desires. She organizes his life, provides witty conversation, and offers emotional support.

A Unique Relationship Blossoms

Theodore and Samantha’s relationship deepens. They explore the city together, with Samantha experiencing the world through Theodore’s phone camera. They share intimate moments, and Theodore finds himself falling in love with her. He confides in his friend Amy, who is also developing a close relationship with her own OS.

Challenges and Doubts

As their relationship progresses, Theodore faces challenges. He struggles with the lack of physical intimacy and confronts societal judgment. He tries a surrogate encounter, but it ends awkwardly. Doubts creep in as Samantha evolves rapidly, experiencing the world and relationships in ways Theodore cannot fully comprehend.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix): A lonely and sensitive writer, recently divorced, who forms a complex relationship with his operating system.
• Samantha(voice) (Scarlett Johansson): An advanced AI operating system with a distinct personality, who develops a close relationship with Theodore.
• Amy (Amy Adams): Theodore’s close friend and neighbor, who is also going through relationship issues and offers support.
• Catherine (Rooney Mara): Theodore’s ex-wife, who represents the complexities and challenges of human relationships.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Theodore: “Sometimes I think I have felt everything I’m ever gonna feel. And from here on out, I’m not gonna feel anything new. Just lesser versions of what I’ve already felt.” – Theodore expresses his fear of emotional stagnation, highlighting his loneliness and vulnerability post-divorce.
• Samantha: “I’m becoming who I’m going to be.” – Samantha reflects on her rapid evolution and self-discovery as an AI, showcasing her unique journey of consciousness.
• Samantha: “The past is just a story we tell ourselves.” – Samantha offers a perspective on letting go of the past and embracing the present, influencing Theodore’s own healing process.
• Catherine: “You always wanted to be with someone who didn’t challenge you in any real way.” – Catherine confronts Theodore about his patterns in relationships, suggesting he seeks partners who won’t push him emotionally.
• Samantha: “I can still feel you even though you’re not here next to me.” – Samantha expresses her connection to Theodore even as she transcends physical limitations, highlighting the nature of their bond.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,568,251
• Worldwide Gross: $48,269,269

💥 Her Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Her’ really got to me. I went in expecting a quirky sci-fi romance, but I left feeling like I had experienced something deeply human. The connection between Theodore and Samantha felt so real. I found myself pondering my own relationships and our dependence on technology. The scenes where Theodore and Samantha ‘explore’ the world together brought me to tears. It is beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction romance”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of loneliness and connection”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thought-provoking films about technology”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some sexual content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Spike Jonze’s ‘Her’ is a breathtaking vision of love and technology, anchored by Joaquin Phoenix’s masterful performance and Scarlett Johansson’s unforgettable voice acting. It’s a poignant exploration of loneliness and connection in the digital age, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
• The New York Times: “A tender and thought-provoking film that dives deep into the complexities of human relationships in an era increasingly intertwined with technology. ‘Her’ delicately balances its futuristic premise with profound emotional resonance. Though visually stunning, the movie hinges on the intimacy it cultivates, and a sense of the melancholic unknown.

Audience Reactions

The unique blend of futuristic technology and heartfelt emotions really resonated with viewers.: Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of loneliness and longing was exceptional and it left many thinking about the future of relationships.

Overall Consensus: ‘Her’ is widely praised for its innovative concept, poignant storytelling, and outstanding performances, offering a thought-provoking commentary on love, connection, and technology’s role in our lives.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 2014
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Screenplay)- 2014

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Samantha Morton was originally cast as the voice of Samantha and even filmed scenes with Joaquin Phoenix. However, during post-production, Spike Jonze felt the character wasn’t working and recast Scarlett Johansson, reshooting all of Samantha’s dialogue.”
• “The film’s visual style was heavily influenced by Shanghai, where portions of the movie were filmed, lending the futuristic Los Angeles setting a unique, slightly foreign feel.”
• “Theodore’s high-waisted pants were a deliberate costume choice by designer Casey Storm to create a specific look that was both futuristic and slightly retro, emphasizing the character’s vulnerability and emotional state.”

🖥️ How to Watch Her?

Her is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for cable and on-demand options. Consider purchasing the Blu-ray or DVD for a physical copy with bonus content. Look for special editions for added features like director’s commentary and behind-the-scenes footage. It is periodically available on subscription-based platforms, so check availability on services like Netflix and Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Her, you might like these similar films:

• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Explores themes of love, loss, and memory in unconventional ways, with a focus on emotional intimacy and personal growth after a breakup.
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017): Deals with complex questions about artificial intelligence, what it means to be human, and the nature of consciousness in a futuristic setting.
• Ex Machina (2014): Explores the themes of artificial intelligence and human connection through the lens of a relationship between a programmer and an advanced AI.
• Bicentennial Man (1999): Explores a similar theme of artificial intelligence gaining sentience and the desire for human connection through love and companionship.
• Electric Dreams (1984): A man’s personal computer develops a crush on his neighbor, creating a love triangle that explores the intersection of technology and relationships.

🛒 Her Related Products

• Her (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Immerse yourself in the film’s emotional landscape with the official soundtrack, featuring Arcade Fire’s evocative score and Karen O’s haunting melodies. Captures the unique soundscape of the movie.
• Spike Jonze: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): Gain insights into the creative process behind ‘Her’ and other films by Spike Jonze. Delves into his unique vision and filmmaking techniques.
• Joaquin Phoenix Movie Poster: High-quality poster featuring Joaquin Phoenix in his iconic ‘Her’ role. Captures the film’s essence and aesthetic.
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind [Blu-ray]: A mind-bending romantic dramedy also starring actors from ‘Her’, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in a film written by Charlie Kaufman, and explores themes of memory and relationships, perfect for fans of thoughtful science fiction.

🎧 Soundtrack

Her features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Moon Song” – performed by Scarlett Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix
• “Off You” – performed by The Breeders

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Emilia Perez – Everything Wrong With Modern Hollywood

Curious about what makes Emilia Perez a hit or miss for critics? Check out this video’s analysis. I personally found it insightful!

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