Her (2013): Film Notes and Scores

Director:

Cast:

Poster artwork for Her — Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

Lonely letter writer Theodore develops an intimate relationship with Samantha, an adaptive operating system voiced through an earpiece.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

In a near-future Los Angeles, professional letter writer Theodore Twombly installs a new operating system and chooses a voice named Samantha. Her curiosity, humor, and rapid growth turn daily assistance into an increasingly intimate relationship without a physical body.

Why it belongs

Spike Jonze makes digital intimacy physical and vulnerable through warm design, offscreen voice, Phoenix's openness, and Johansson's responsive intelligence.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson create chemistry through breath, pauses, and attentive listening. Soft color, high-waisted costumes, shallow-focus city spaces, Arcade Fire's music, and the constant presence of an earpiece make the future gently plausible.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Academy Awards1 win2014 · official ceremony record ↗

Writing (Original Screenplay)2014 · Written by Spike Jonzeofficial ceremony record ↗

Golden Globes1 win2014 · official film record ↗

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture2014 · Spike Jonzeofficial film record ↗

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for

Date NightFilm Club

Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250—AFI 100—