Her

Editor Reviews

• Sam Rivera

  Rating: 6

  6

  May 14, 2026

  Spike Jonze crafts a tender, melancholic vision of the near future that focuses on the evolution of intimacy. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a performance of incredible vulnerability, often acting against nothing more than a voice, which captures the same profound loneliness found in first-contact narratives. The production design avoids the typical cold, metallic aesthetic of the genre, opting instead for a warm, autumnal palette that makes the high-concept premise feel startlingly grounded.

• Greer Langley

  Rating: 6

  6

  May 13, 2026

  Spike Jonze delivers a deeply intimate look at human longing and digital connection. Joaquin Phoenix is stellar, but the real marvel is Scarlett Johansson, who manages to convey an entire emotional spectrum using only her voice. It avoids the tired tropes of killer robots, choosing instead to explore the loneliness of the modern age. The soft, warm color palette creates a unique atmosphere that feels grounded and strangely plausible, making the central relationship feel authentic despite its unconventional nature.

• West Carver

  Rating: 7

  7

  May 6, 2026

  This film is a masterclass in portraying the hollow ache of unrequited affection in a digital age. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a haunting performance as a man falling for an operating system, touching on the profound loneliness that often accompanies one-sided devotion. Spike Jonze created a world that feels eerily close to our own, using a muted color palette to emphasize the protagonist's isolation. It asks the uncomfortable question: is it love if the other person cannot truly love you back? The soft, melancholic score by Arcade Fire perfectly underscores the quiet desperation of a heart yearning for a connection that exists only on one side of the screen.

• Lennox Park

  Rating: 6

  6

  March 18, 2026

  Dive into the surprisingly poignant and thought-provoking world of 'Her,' a film that explores the complexities of love and connection in an increasingly digital age. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a truly heart-wrenching performance as Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who falls in love with his advanced operating system, voiced with incredible nuance by Scarlett Johansson. This isn't just a sci-fi romance; it's a deep dive into the nature of consciousness, intimacy, and what it means to be human. Spike Jonze's direction is sensitive and insightful, crafting a near-future Los Angeles that feels both familiar and subtly unsettling. The film's aesthetic is warm and inviting, providing a beautiful backdrop to Theodore's emotional journey. Did you know that Samantha Morton initially voiced the role of Samantha during production, and Scarlett Johansson was brought in later to re-record the dialogue? This change ultimately brought a different, yet equally captivating, dimension to the character. 'Her' is a film that will make you reflect on your own relationships with technology and with others, leaving you with a profound sense of wonder and perhaps a touch of melancholy. It's an absolutely essential watch for anyone interested in the future of human connection.

• Parker Wells

  Rating: 6

  6

  February 28, 2026

  Prepare for a uniquely heartwarming and heartbreaking experience with 'Her,' a beautifully crafted film by Spike Jonze. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a nuanced performance as Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who falls in love with an advanced artificial intelligence operating system named Samantha, voiced by the incredible Scarlett Johansson. The film explores themes of love, loneliness, and the evolving nature of human connection in a near-future Los Angeles. Its sensitive portrayal of a relationship between a human and an AI is both tender and profound, making you question the boundaries of emotion and intimacy. The film's aesthetic is soft and inviting, a stark contrast to many dystopian futures, and its original score is simply gorgeous. It's a truly special film that resonates deeply.