Film Preview: Her

‘Her’ tells the story of a lonely writer, post painful divorce, who finds a way to love again. But no Spike Jonze film is ever that straightforward. The twist in this tale is that the ‘Her’ of the title, and the object of our protagonist’s love, is not a woman but a computer operating system. 

Setting the story in futuristic LA, Jonze uses his characters and their relationships to explore issues of isolation and intimacy, challenge our notions of love and examine what human interaction means in a world dominated by electronic communication. 

As with Jonze’s previous films ('Being John Malkovich', 'Adaptation', 'Where the Wild Things Are'), expect more questions to be raised than answered. Does the electronic intermediary act as a barrier or enabler? Is an online persona more or less authentic than a person’s physical presence? How and why do we connect to those around us?

With a strong cast, and a Best Film nomination at the New York Film Festival, you may also fall in love with ‘Her’. Just remember to leave your smart phone at home.

(Published in 'Electrolyte' January 2013)