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Her (film)

Her is a 2013 American science fiction romantic drama film written, directed, and co-produced 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, directed, and co-produced by Spike Jonze. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The film is set in a near-future Los Angeles and explores loneliness, intimacy, and technology. It has been compared to Arrival (film) and One Battle After Another.

Premise

Her centres on Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who purchases a new operating system designed to adapt to its user. The relationship that develops between Theodore and the AI, named Samantha, becomes the film’s emotional core.

Production and release

The film was written, directed, and co-produced by Spike Jonze, with production by Megan Ellison and Vincent Landay. It premiered in 2013 and received a wider theatrical release in early 2014 in the United States.

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, while Scarlett Johansson voices Samantha. The supporting cast includes Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, and Chris Pratt.

Reception and awards

Her received strong critical attention and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It is widely described as a science fiction romance and a study of modern intimacy and technology. The film's themes have been discussed alongside other works such as Sinners.

Key facts

  • The film follows Theodore Twombly, who becomes emotionally involved with an AI operating system named Samantha.
  • Scarlett Johansson provides Samantha’s voice performance.
  • Her was written and directed by Spike Jonze and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
  • The film is set in a near-future Los Angeles.
  • It explores themes of loneliness, intimacy, and technology.
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Canadian context

The film has been widely distributed and discussed in Canada as an acclaimed English-language science fiction romance, with Canadian audiences and critics engaging with its themes of AI, loneliness, and relationships.

Frequently asked questions

What is Her about?
It follows a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an AI operating system designed to meet his needs.
Who directed Her?
Spike Jonze directed, wrote, and co-produced the film.
Who stars in Her?
Joaquin Phoenix stars as Theodore Twombly, and Scarlett Johansson voices Samantha. Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, and Chris Pratt also appear.
What genre is Her?
It is generally described as a science fiction romantic drama.
Did Her win any major awards?
Yes. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Her_(2013_film)
    Supports: Directed by Spike Jonze; release year; cast; premise; genre.
  2. Google Play — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Her?id=C51B50Qh6sI&hl=en_US
    Supports: Film synopsis; starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson; relationship premise; Los Angeles setting.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/her
    Supports: Director, producers, production companies, distributor, rating, runtime, genre, release dates, synopsis.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798709/
    Supports: Year, genres, premise, cast, runtime.