Virtual affair lies at the heart of ‘Her’

How essential are physical and emotional connections when falling in love? What would you miss — looking into someone’s eyes, caressing them? In Her, Spike Jonze’s futuristic exploration of a man’s relationship with his computer, the filmmaker surveys human disjunction.

Joaquin Phoenix is Theodore, a loner struggling to cope with his unwanted divorce from neuroscientist Catherine (a sullen Rooney Mara). Theodore has become guarded, but his work requires an outpouring of emotions as he pens tender, personal letters for others at beautifulhandwrittenletters.com.

After seeing an ad for an artificial intelligence operating system, Theodore purchases one and finds his new OS is voiced by a woman with a sultry, whiskey-stained tone named Samantha (a witty and relaxed Scarlett Johansson, who is never seen on-camera). Samantha is at Theodore’s beck and call. Communicating by way of an earpiece and a small hand-held device, she keeps him on schedule and encourages him to get back out there and go on a blind date. His date (Olivia Wilde) critiques his kissing ability and scolds him for refusing to indulge in the idea of a relationship. “I’m not in a place where I can commit right now” becomes one of Theodore’s signature lines. 

But eventually Theodore and Samantha, who is eager to please and has the ability to grow through her experiences, fall for each other. Jonze effectively manages to capture real intimacy as the couple greet each other in the morning and say goodnight. Theodore takes Samantha on a double date with his co-worker Paul (played by the ever-hilarious Chris Pratt), and Samantha composes piano melodies to heighten their experiences. 

Jonze has become known for creating bewildering worlds, from his work on the maniacal Oscar-nominated Being John Malkovich, his layered Adaptation and the heart-rending Where the Wild Things Are. He’s also crafted arresting videos for inventive artists like Bjork and Kanye West, as well as a collection of short films, commercials and documentaries. Her is the first feature film he’s penned solo and he’s never been so ingenious.

There’s a somber and supple tone throughout, as Theodore (faultlessly performed by a pensive and vulnerable Phoenix) surrenders to his desperation. 

Visually Jonze has built a bold dreamland: a near-future Los Angeles awash with primary colors and warm pastels that tickle our childlike senses. Every fella dons high-waisted pants, a fashion choice emphasizing the sign of the times. And for the magnetic cityscapes, the movie was filmed in Los Angeles and China.

Amy Adams delivers a delicate portrayal of Theodore’s lovelorn neighbor and best friend Amy. She supports his decision to date his OS, but thinks anybody who falls in love is a freak. “It’s kind of a form of socially acceptable insanity,” she proclaims.

But Theodore’s ex-wife thinks his latest turn at love is crazy. “You always wanted to have a wife without actually dealing with anything real,” she tells him. Thus, the lingering questions are brought to the forefront: To what lengths would we go to avoid certain truths? And could virtual affairs be the inevitable evolution of relationships in our tech-blooming society? The notion of unconventional romanticism is certainly enchanting, but even computer love can be fleeting.