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Her

Her is a 2013 American science fiction romantic drama film written, produced, and directed by Spike Jonze.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Her is a 2013 American science fiction romantic drama film written, produced, and directed by Spike Jonze. Set in a near-future Los Angeles, it follows a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an operating system named Samantha. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. In Canada, the film has been widely screened and is frequently discussed in Canadian film criticism and university studies.

Premise

The story centres on Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who forms a relationship with an advanced operating system named Samantha, designed to adapt to its user. The relationship develops from companionship into romance.

Production

Her was written, produced, and directed by Spike Jonze. The film’s cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, and Chris Pratt.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 2013 and was released theatrically in the United States in early 2014. It was widely praised by critics and received major awards recognition, including the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Themes

The film is often discussed for its treatment of artificial intelligence, intimacy, isolation, and the emotional effects of technology. Its near-future setting is used to examine modern relationships in an exaggerated but recognisable context.

Key facts

  • Her follows Theodore Twombly, a professional letter-writer who becomes attached to an AI operating system called Samantha.
  • The film is set in an unspecified near future and uses its premise to explore loneliness and human connection.
  • It was directed by Spike Jonze and features Joaquin Phoenix and the voice of Scarlett Johansson.
  • Her received positive critical attention and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
  • The film was released theatrically in the United States in 2013 and later reached wider audiences in 2014.
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Canadian context

Her has screened widely in Canada through theatrical and home-entertainment releases, and it remains a frequently discussed example of contemporary science-fiction cinema in Canadian film criticism and university film studies.

Frequently asked questions

What is Her about?
It is about a lonely writer who falls in love with an operating system named Samantha.
Who directed Her?
Her was directed by Spike Jonze.
Who stars in Her?
The film stars Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson, with Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, and Chris Pratt in supporting roles.
What genre is Her?
It is generally classified as a science fiction romantic drama.
Did Her win any major awards?
Yes. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Her
    Supports: Identifies Her as a film by Spike Jonze.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Her_(2013_film)
    Supports: Provides the film's year, plot, cast, setting, and basic production details.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/her-2013
    Supports: Describes the film's near-future premise and central relationship.
  4. Film Forum — https://filmforum.org/film/her-ai
    Supports: Lists the director, principal cast, runtime, and Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/her
    Supports: Provides release information, cast, director, runtime, genre, and content rating details.
  6. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/her
    Supports: Summarises the plot and lists director, cast, genre, language, and release details.