A film I often revisit, especially now when it feels the most relevant, is Spike Jonze’s 2013 science-fiction romance film “Her.” With technology becoming inseparable from human life due to the rise of generative AI and interactive user interface, “Her” becomes closer to matching our reality.
The film follows Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), a writer whose blossoming relationship with his advanced virtual artificial intelligence, Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), forces him to come to terms with what it means to be human in an increasingly digital age.
Theodore becomes more infatuated with Samantha throughout the movie, and in the final moments of the film, he finally frees his body and mind, by letting go of her. The film blurs the lines of what a true connection is, presenting a potential future in which love can exist between flesh and machine.
The scene that sticks comes at the end of the film. There is a moment between Theodore and Amy (Amy Adams), a close friend of Theodore’s who started an unhealthy relationship with her AI and goes through a similar realization as Theodore. After they both delete their AIs, they meet at the top of their apartment building, which looks out on the futuristic skyline of Los Angeles.
The whole scene lacks dialogue between the two characters, instead offering an extended monologue from Theodore reflecting on how love and heartbreak have changed his life. Theodore concludes that he will finally learn to move on and grow from his pain rather than have it consume him.
The final shot shows the two of them sitting side by side, Amy slowly putting her head on Theodore’s shoulder as the sun slowly rises, bringing light to the night sky.
But why? Why does this particular scene stick with me so intensely?
Simply put, this moment shows us the power of human connection. In a film where a physical connection is rarely shown and most characters deal with loss and heartbreak, Theodore and Amy’s physical connection becomes all the more important.
Throughout “Her,” there are multiple tracking shots where Theodore is virtually talking to Samantha in these crowded urban environments. The film creates a juxtaposition of Theodore isolating himself while simultaneously being surrounded by people. “Her” shows us the answer to his problems: to interact with the people surrounding him.
It begs the question: how much will someone sacrifice to feel wanted and cared about?
“Her” shows us that human connection will always trump the abilities of technology. As Samantha tries to be there for Theodore, he is trying to reciprocate with more complex feelings, resulting in their inevitable separation.
When we take a step back to reflect and experience real emotions, it allows us to see ourselves as we truly are. To feel the complexities that come with being alive, both good and bad, is what it means to be a human.
This article was edited by Alfie Pritchard, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Emma Brown, Ariana Kavoossi and Charlie Mennuti.
