Her

Undoubtedly, this is writer and director Spike Jones best film. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Theodore, a lonely and talented writer of the old school "art" of composing personal letters for people, in a just ever so slightly futuristic world where everyone is even more plugged into their computers.  Now facing a divorce from his estranged wife (Rooney Mara),  he finds reprieve in his new operating system named Samantha (Scarlett Johansson).  This is no Android or Windows system, but a customized system that can seemingly get to know its user and expand its learning in behavior, conversation, empathy, and feeling.  As you may expect, Theodore and Samantha then begin to bond in a way that speaks to the very heart of what we deem as relationships and love.  It is the unexpected evolution of that most unusual relationship and how it applies and redefines universal humanity and all its implications, that is the main thrust of the film.  Her is also a film, that without being overt in science fiction, bridges the gap between the traditional human love story and that of the implied romance in something like the classic Blade Runner between the character Deckart (Harrison Ford) and Rachael (Sean Young).  Perhaps even more obvious, is the look and inevitable evolution of our technologically oriented society and how it will eventually come full circle in clashing with our own flaws, prejudices, and injustices. Even more so, Her explores and goes beyond our own evolution to perhaps give a glimmer into the abyss of what we fear and strive for, the very meaning of life. Phoenix gives a well deserved Oscar nominated performance throughout this truly unique film that has, heart, humor, thoughtful reflection, and universal themes that everyone can take away from.