Her

Spike Jonze's near-future love story asks a question that felt hypothetical in 2013 but feels urgent now: what are the ethics of falling in love with an AI?

Gentle Profundity

Joaquin Phoenix gives a vulnerable, disarming performance as Theodore, a lonely man who writes letters for others while being unable to confront his own emotions. Scarlett Johansson's voice performance as Samantha - the operating system he falls for - is among the great vocal performances ever recorded.

The film's production design is gorgeous - a soft, slightly-too-clean Los Angeles of the near future where men wear high-waisted trousers and screens are everywhere. Arcade Fire's score is perfect.

Verdict

A film about the impossibility of truly knowing another consciousness. More relevant every year.