Her
A lonely letter writer falls in love with an artificial intelligence whose evolving consciousness transforms his understanding of intimacy and loss.
Overview
A poignant exploration of love in an unexpected form, where connection transcends the physical realm.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- dreamy
- witty
- reflective evening
- date night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an imaginative, emotionally resonant science-fiction romance distinguished by Spike Jonze's direction, Joaquin Phoenix's performance, and its thoughtful treatment of technology and relationships.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Theodore falls in love with Samantha, the voice and consciousness of his OS1 operating system.
Theodore's letter-writing job, operating system, video games, and urban routines make the future feel ordinary rather than spectacular.
Theodore turns toward Samantha while still processing his divorce, loneliness, and difficulty forming human intimacy.
The film presents near-future Los Angeles through warm colors, intimate framing, and inviting technology rather than cold industrial imagery.
Films like Her, and why
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
shares an introspective romantic drama structure, melancholy warmth, and speculative examination of intimacy and emotional dependence
After Yang
shares humane science fiction, loneliness, philosophical questions about consciousness, and an unconventional love story
Robot & Frank
shares a near-future human technology relationship, bittersweet romance, and reflective concern with changing forms of intimacy
The Lobster
shares witty emotional science fiction, an isolated protagonist, and a relationship shaped by nonhuman intelligence
Movie Details
- Director
- Spike Jonze
- Release Date
- 2013-12-18
- Runtime
- 126 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (15674)
Cast
- Joaquin Phoenix
- Scarlett Johansson
- Lynn Adrianna
- Lisa Renee Pitts
- Gabe Gomez
- Chris Pratt
- Artt Butler
- May Lindstrom
- Rooney Mara
- Bill Hader
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Apple TV, Apple TV Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Her about?
- A lonely letter writer falls in love with an artificial intelligence whose evolving consciousness transforms his understanding of intimacy and loss.
- What is Her like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Her as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Her violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Her.
- What did critics think of Her?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an imaginative, emotionally resonant science-fiction romance distinguished by Spike Jonze's direction, Joaquin Phoenix's performance, and its thoughtful treatment of technology and relationships.
- Which films are like Her?
- Films with a similar feel include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, After Yang, Robot & Frank, and The Lobster.
- How long is Her?
- Her runs 126 minutes.
- Where can I watch Her?
- In United States, Her streams on Apple TV, Apple TV Amazon Channel.
