Romance · Science Fiction · Drama
Her
American
2013 · Directed by Spike Jonze · 126 min
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Romance · Science Fiction · Drama
American
2013 · Directed by Spike Jonze · 126 min
Meaning, unpacked
Central idea
The film can be read as an examination of what connection requires: a body, a shared history, or only attention and honesty. It uses an AI romance to ask how well we know our own feelings, and other people.
Its lasting influence
Her helped make quiet, character-led treatments of artificial intelligence a recognised strand of modern science fiction, visible in films such as Ex Machina and Blade Runner 2049. Its soft-toned vision of the near future also influenced the design of later screen futures.
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Create your free spaceWhat happens
Samantha and the other operating systems leave to go beyond what humans can understand. Theodore writes Catherine a sincere letter of apology and thanks, then sits on a rooftop beside Amy as the city lights glow.
The last image
Theodore and Amy sit side by side on the rooftop, looking out over the glowing city.
What it says
The ending is clear. Samantha's love was real in its effect, but people outgrow each other, and Theodore can let go. He finally says honest things to Catherine and turns to Amy. The film closes on human companionship.
Or follow an idea from this film
Follow the idea
Ex Machina (2015)
A sharper, more suspenseful look at human-AI intimacy that shows how differently the same premise can be handled.
Coming soon
Compare another approach
Lost in Translation (2003)
Another quiet story of loneliness and an unlikely, unconsummated connection, also featuring Scarlett Johansson.
See what influenced it
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
The classic cinematic conversation with a thinking machine. Compare HAL's calm voice with Samantha's warmth.
Follow the idea
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A science-fiction romance in a similarly tender, melancholy register about how we hold on to love.
Jump forward
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Revisits the idea of artificial companionship within a vast, visually striking future, continuing the questions Her raised.
