Her is unforgettable in all the best ways.
At its core, the film explores a universal truth: we all want to be loved. We seek connection in one form or another, and it’s my belief that we aren’t meant to be alone. What makes Her so special is its unique approach to companionship—a blend of sci-fi and romance that feels both refreshing and utterly beautiful.
Joaquin Phoenix is a master of his craft. Whether as Commodus in Gladiator, Arthur Fleck in Joker, or Theodore in Her, he doesn’t just play a character—he becomes them. So much so that I don’t think I’ve ever truly seen Joaquin Phoenix on the big screen. He disappears into his roles in a way few actors can. By contrast, someone like Tom Hanks often retains a sense of himself in his performances. That’s not a flaw—it’s just a different style. But Joaquin? He is never Joaquin on screen. I honestly don’t know if there’s a better actor out there.
And then there’s the romance. The primary job of a rom-com—or any romance, really—is to make the audience feel like they’re falling in love. Her takes on the near-impossible challenge of telling a love story between a human and an AI. It’s a concept that could easily have felt distant or implausible, but in this film, it works brilliantly. The result is a story that’s as tender as it is transformative.
Love is beautiful. Art is transcendent. Her is both, to the utmost degree.
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