November 5, 2024

Spike Jonze’s HER Reviewed By Jacob Mertens at Bright Lights Film Journal

HerSliderHer (Spike Jonze, USA, 2013, 126 min.)

Union South Marquee Theater, Saturday, May 3 at 9:30pm and Sunday, May 4 at 6:00 pm»

Our friend and colleague at Film International, Jacob Mertens, is looking forward to coming to the UW-Madison this fall for graduate studies. He noticed that Her is playing at the Union South Marquee Theater this weekend, and kindly sent along a link to his review, “Spike Jonze’s Her and the Essence of Intimacy” that he contributed to Bright Lights Film Journal.

Physical and emotional intimacy might seem like opposing forces of attraction, but they derive from the same basic compulsion. Namely, that no one wants to go through life alone, and as comforting as a voice can be, it pales compared to having someone actually beside you. Theodore and Samantha cannot shake that innate longing, regardless of how hard they try. Yes, their relationship is delicate and thoughtful, even moving at times, but it’s a half-measure. The most they can do for each other is be lonely together, a consolation that Theodore ultimately mistakes for bliss.

Read Jacob’s entire review at Bright Lights Film Journal.