Movie review- Her

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There is something about love that makes one hope for second chances, a way to mend your past. Her is an American film, released in 2013, directed by Spike Jonze. Though I had this movie for quite sometime now, I had never gotten around to watching it despite the good reviews that I heard. Probably because the hero (Joaquin Phoenix) didn't appeal to me (the mustache, if you must know) and I have never been a fan of mustaches in my life. I kept postponing it and finally sat down to watch it last night. 

Anyways, coming back to the movie, it takes place sometime in the future, when we humans have drifted so apart, that there are even professional writers of letters for people who don't have the time or patience to write them. Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is one such amazing writer who spends his days writing theses letters to other people, being a part of their lives involuntarily. Who weaves together some beautiful and touching letters, which is one of my favorite things about the movie.

He is, however, going through a rough patch in his life with his inevitable divorce looming at large. He had been married to his childhood sweetheart Catherine (Rooney Mara) before their differences grew them apart. And he has phone sex with strangers at night! Though he comes across as a bit weird initially, I warmed up to his character when it came to his gift of writing and striking a chord with his readers.

And that is when Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) enters his life. Oh no, she is not a woman. Technically, she is an operating system who speaks to him. She is just a voice with a lot emotions that she's struggling to understand and you guessed it, with no body. What starts off as an innocent friendship and a voice to talk to, a secretary cum friend to remind him of his appointments and so forth, soon develops into something a lot more complicated. 

Though the chemistry between Theodore and Samantha is great, the fact that she is just a voice creates tension during the course of their relationship. As much weird as it may sound, Samantha is not just a laptop, as put by Catherine, his ex-wife. When the programmers created her, they have instilled in her not just an artificial intelligence, but also the ability to feel in deep any emotions that she many have. 

Though the story revolves around the relationship between Theodore and Samantha, a few other characters add more charm to the movie. Charles (Matt Letscher) and Amy (Amy Adams) are a married couple who are friends of Theodore. They get divorced shortly afterwards and Amy befriends a female operating system that her husband leaves behind. Apparently, she is not shocked to learn that Theodore is dating Samantha. 

I don't want to say what happens next as it would take the fun out if you want to watch the movie. I'm sure you will love it, if you are a die hard romantic (like me), at heart. The fact that Samantha is in awe of the world that she is only getting used to and her liveliness and passion are what fascinates Theodore and draws them together. How long will they be able to carry on a relationship which could die as technology changes? Watch the movie to find out! I would give it a three point five stars on five for this one. 

The concept around which the movie is based is different and you won't be disappointed. Give it a watch!