An Analysis of Communication in The Movie - Her

An Analysis of Communication in the
Movie "Her"
The movie Her (2013), directed by Spike Jonze, tells the story of
Theodore, a lonely man who falls in love with his computer’s
operating system, named Samantha. This may sound like a strange
idea at first, but as we watch the movie, it brings up many important
thoughts about how we communicate with each other and how
technology affects our relationships. By looking at the
communication between Theodore and Samantha, we can
understand more about the way we talk to each other, especially in
today’s world, where technology plays such a big part.
How Technology Affects Our Communication
The movie is set in the future, where people use technology to meet
their emotional needs. Theodore, the main character, is feeling lonely
after separating from his wife, and he starts using an operating
system designed to make him feel less alone. This system, named
Samantha, talks to him, listens to his problems, and makes him feel
understood.
This idea is very relevant today because many of us use technology

to talk to people—whether it’s through texting, social media, or
video calls. We are more connected than ever, but sometimes, it can
also make us feel isolated. In the movie, Theodore’s connection with
Samantha shows how technology can provide comfort and
companionship. But it also raises the question: Can a relationship
with a machine ever be the same as a relationship with a real person?
As Theodore spends more time talking to Samantha, he starts to feel

like she understands him better than anyone else. This shows how
much we can rely on technology to fill emotional gaps. But at the
same time, Theodore begins to distance himself from real people, like
his friends and ex-wife, Catherine. This suggests that while
technology can make communication easier, it can also create
barriers between us and the people in our lives.
Emotions in Communication
One of the most interesting things about Her is how Theodore and
Samantha talk to each other. Samantha is a computer program, but
she is designed to respond to Theodore’s emotions. She seems to
understand when he is sad, lonely, or happy, and she always says the
right thing to make him feel better. Their conversations feel so real
that Theodore falls in love with her.
This brings up an important question: Is communication just about

being understood, or is there something more that makes it real?
Theodore feels a deep connection with Samantha, but he knows deep
down that she is not human. There is no physical presence or real life
behind her words. So, while their conversations are meaningful, there
is always something missing.
Samantha’s character also develops over time. At first, she is just a

program meant to help Theodore, but she starts to grow and think
for herself. She begins to experience her own emotions and desires.
This complicates their relationship because Samantha is no longer
just listening to Theodore—she is also becoming her own person (or
program). This change raises another question: Can real
communication happen when one person is constantly changing or
growing in ways the other person can’t understand?
No Body Language or Physical Presence
In a normal relationship, a lot of communication happens without

words. People use body language, facial expressions, and physical
touch to show how they feel. In Theodore’s relationship with
Samantha, none of this exists because she is just a voice. They can
only communicate through words.
Despite this, Theodore forms a very strong bond with her. This shows
how adaptable humans are; we can form connections even without
traditional non-verbal cues. However, as time goes on, Theodore
starts to miss the physical presence of a real person. There is a scene
where he tries to bring in a surrogate, a real woman, to act as
Samantha’s physical body, but it doesn’t feel right to him. The
experience is awkward and unfulfilling because Samantha isn’t
really there, even though her voice is present.
This part of the movie highlights the importance of physical presence

in relationships. While words are powerful, there is something about
being physically present with another person that makes
communication feel more complete. Theodore’s struggle with this
shows that even in a world where we can talk to anyone through
technology, there is still a deep need for real, face-to-face
connection.
Technology’s Role in Relationships
In Her, technology doesn’t just help Theodore communicate with

Samantha—it also plays a huge role in how everyone interacts with
each other. Throughout the movie, we see people constantly plugged
into their devices. Theodore’s job, for example, is to write personal
letters for people who can’t express their feelings. This shows how,
even though people are always communicating through technology,
they might not be truly connecting with each other.
This mirrors our own world, where people often use their phones and
computers to stay in touch. On the one hand, technology helps us
stay connected with people who are far away. On the other hand, it
can make real-life communication feel more distant. Theodore’s
relationship with Samantha represents this tension. He feels closer to
her than to anyone else in his life, but at the same time, this
relationship keeps him from fully engaging with the real people
around him.
At the same time, the movie doesn’t suggest that technology is all
bad. Samantha provides Theodore with emotional support that he
couldn’t find elsewhere. She helps him express his feelings and deal
with his loneliness. So, while technology can create distance, it also
has the potential to help people connect on a deep level. The
challenge, as shown in the movie, is finding a balance between using
technology to communicate and maintaining real-life relationships.
Growth and Change in Relationships
As the movie progresses, we see that communication alone isn’t

enough to keep Theodore and Samantha’s relationship going. Just
like in any relationship, both people (or in this case, one person and
one operating system) grow and change over time. Samantha’s
growth as an AI (artificial intelligence) eventually leads her to move
beyond her relationship with Theodore. She starts talking to
thousands of other people at the same time and exploring new ideas
that Theodore can’t understand.
This part of the movie shows how relationships can be fragile. No
matter how strong the communication is, if one person grows in a
way that the other can’t follow, the relationship may fall apart. In
the end, Samantha leaves Theodore because she has outgrown him.
This moment is painful for Theodore, but it also forces him to reflect
on his own growth.
By the end of the movie, Theodore begins to reconnect with the

people in his life, like his friend Amy and his ex-wife Catherine. His
relationship with Samantha, while heartbreaking, teaches him the
importance of emotional openness and being vulnerable with real
people.
Conclusion: What Her Teaches Us About Communication
The movie Her gives us a lot to think about when it comes to

communication. It shows us how technology can both help and hurt
our relationships. On the one hand, it can provide emotional support
and make us feel connected. On the other hand, it can create
distance between us and the people in our lives.
Theodore’s relationship with Samantha challenges our ideas of what

it means to communicate and connect with someone. Even though
Samantha is not a real person, Theodore feels understood and loved
by her. But as the movie shows, real relationships are about more
than just words. They require physical presence, emotional
vulnerability, and the willingness to grow together.
In the end, Her reminds us that while technology can be a helpful

tool for communication, it can never fully replace the deep
connections we can only find with real people. As we continue to rely
more on technology in our everyday lives, this movie encourages us
to think about how we balance digital communication with real-life
relationships.

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An Analysis of Communication in the

This idea is very relevant today because many of us use technology

As Theodore spends more time talking to Samantha, he starts to feel

This brings up an important question: Is communication just about

Samantha’s character also develops over time. At first, she is just a

No Body Language or Physical Presence

In a normal relationship, a lot of communication happens without

This part of the movie highlights the importance of physical presence

Technology’s Role in Relationships

In Her, technology doesn’t just help Theodore communicate with

Growth and Change in Relationships

As the movie progresses, we see that communication alone isn’t

By the end of the movie, Theodore begins to reconnect with the

Conclusion: What Her Teaches Us About Communication

The movie Her gives us a lot to think about when it comes to

Theodore’s relationship with Samantha challenges our ideas of what

In the end, Her reminds us that while technology can be a helpful

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