Her
Dir: Spike Jonze
2013
*****
Her is a brilliant example of cross-genre done well. Spike Jonze is the king of escapism but as out there as Her is, it's very much the opposite. Her explores the death of poetry in an 'Apple-like' version of the future. Everything looks good and everything seems like a good idea but creativity has reached its peak at the expense of what really matters. This film isn't about life's imperfections either, it's about the simple pleasures that one can forget with the onset of a technological revolution. It's also a serious drama, a satire that you can really laugh to and a heartbreakingly tender romance. Joaquin Phoenix carries all those emotions off effortlessly, and the film absorbs its viewer within seconds. This is a film to get lost in. The visuals are stunning and suit the story perfectly. The conclusion regarding intelligent life and what it would do if it really did exist is brilliant, a simple idea with a huge impact, the sign of a truly great film.