‘Her’ a creative, smart movie

Relationships, love, hate, uncertainty, loneliness — most people would say they know a thing or two about each of these basic concepts. Well, take everything you think you know and throw it out the window, because the movie “Her” takes these things and flips them upside down.

The film, directed by Spike Jonze, explores the deepest and most complicated emotions of mankind.

The future-based film revolves around the life of seemingly average, healthy Theodore Twombly, played by Joaquin Phoenix.

When Theodore encounters loneliness following his divorce from life-long partner Catherine, his curiosity provokes him to purchase a cutting-edge operating system in hopes to help organize his life.

Much to Theodore’s surprise, the operating system, Samantha, is much more complex than he expected. She can speak, feel emotion, has her own unique personality and, if Theodore didn’t know any different, it would appear that she is just another human being despite not having a body.

When Theodore develops a romantic relationship with Samantha, his life seems to take a turn for the better. However, the relationship would prove to be much more complicated than he would assume, taking him on a journey that tests him in every way imaginable.

The film utterly and pleasantly surprised me. What I assumed would play out to be a cute, romantic drama turned out to be much more.

Jonze takes the audience on an emotional journey through human life and urges viewers to question their reality. What defines someone as a person? Is it more than just a personality? Or are we confined to the borders that society currently puts around the concept of love?

The movie challenges these questions and many more in a creative, exciting, edge-of-your-seat style.

The movie reaches far beyond the expectations of many of the year’s previously delivered movies and is an excellent choice for those looking for an innovative and liberating film.

Rating: A

To contact Paris Burris, email labassistant@occc.edu.

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