Science fiction is a genre that is currently experiencing one of the best moments in its history. After several years in which fantasy and retro took precedence over these proposals, sci-fi has made a big comeback with all kinds of interesting projects. Dune: Part II is the best example of this, but it is just a small part of a phenomenon that is mainly happening on streaming platforms.
Apple TV+ was the first platform to understand it, becoming the home of science fiction with proposals like Foundation, Constellation, Separation or Silo. Netflix also didn’t want to be left behind and recently premiered the most ambitious series of the genre so far: The Three-Body Problem. And HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video are following closely with their own interesting proposals.
This last platform is specialized, above all, in having in its catalog some of the best science fiction movies of all time. From Matrix to the fun The Martian, it has not stopped adding movies of this genre to its list. But there is one that stands out above the majority thanks to its original proposal and its sublime direction.
We are talking about Her. The 2013 film directed by Spike Jonze has become a cult phenomenon thanks to its thrilling plot about Artificial Intelligence and its consequences. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, who has been on a roll since the trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux was released, the film is among the most-watched in their entire catalog. But what makes Her so special?
Love in the times of AI
There are many movies about the impact of Artificial Intelligence, from futuristic dystopias like The Matrix to catastrophic reflections like the classic 2001: A Space Odyssey. However, few have approached this topic in such a close and realistic way —in a certain sense— as Her.
The movie by Spike Jonze not only stands out for its provocative and moving look at artificial intelligence, but also invites us to reflect on the nature of human connection in the digital age. It is actually a constant conversation between what technology offers us and how it affects us as humans, wandering into the limits of humanity through a topic as broad as love.
Her transports us to a not-so-distant future where Theodore Twombly, masterfully portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, falls in love with an artificially intelligent operating system named Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Through this unusual relationship, the film explores deep and complex themes, from loneliness and isolation in the age of hyperconnectivity to the blurred boundaries between the human and the artificial.
One of the fundamental reasons why Her stands out as one of the best AI movies of all time is its ability to capture the essence of the human experience through the lens of technology. Despite its futuristic premise, the film feels surprisingly relevant and universal, as it touches emotional fibers that resonate with anyone.
Beyond the incredible performances of Phoenix and Johansson —because yes, even if it’s just her voice, the actress stands out with enviable mastery—, what stands out the most is Spike Jonze’s direction. The script is so intelligent that it even won Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, and its impeccable production design and captivating aesthetics immerse us in an evocative future.
From the meticulously designed sets to Arcade Fire’s immersive music, every element of Her contributes to creating an unforgettable cinematic experience that transports us to a world where the line between the real and the artificial blurs. Everything is done to make us feel as lonely, lost, and anxious as its protagonist, so we only have the same option: surrendering ourselves to the feet of an AI that is there to save us.
