Her and the Human Condition

Spike Jonze's brilliant film asks us many questions, about life and love and what it means to be human. This video essay explores the themes of Her and tries to offer a solution to Theodore's problems.
(This video contains spoilers)
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[@morpheus_muses]

This is similar to a long distance relationship in so many ways. When I watched this, I was dating my then -girlfriend who lived in England (I am from the U.S). No one can really understand the lengths people go to for someone they are unable to touch. The love has a depth to it that you can only grasp by experiencing it yourself or having an open mind to a wonderful film like this. Our connection was so intense at times it was difficult to separate my life at home from the life I imagined having with her. The great thing about long distance is, you can eventually close the distance. And we did. We are happily married now, but I still love this movie because it reminds me not to take anything or anyone for granted.

[@daniel_netzel]

Having been in a long distance relationship myself, I completely agree, and that was definitely something I felt when making this video. This video was actually just made a few months after that relationship didn't work out, so this video was really reflective to what I was feeling at the time, I related a lot to Theodore.

[@Godsjester71]

I still cannot rewatch this movie because I saw it when I was in a long distance relationship that went bad primarily because of that distance amongst other things.

[@hank1972]

Saw this right after I divorced my wife who lived in Nicaragua. Traveled back and forth be-tween Miami and Managua waiting for her entry visa for 4 years. Yeah it was painfully beautiful.

[@cloudia.-.]

About 8 months ago, I remember sending a screenshot of this comment to my partner (UK to USA ldr). February of this year 20 months in, and 4 days before booking the flight to see him for the first time, he ended it. (Sadly due to future distance worry). I remember though, how we spoke about your comment and how relatable it was to us. How the connection was so intense, pure, and how we couldn't wait to close the distance. As much as it tore me apart, I look back on that time in my life and appreciate everything that happened. A piece of my heart is always theirs. sorry for being soppy. All the best to those in ldr's

[@KC-wb7lq]

As someone who has been with the same person for 8 years, 4 years in college and 4 years long distance I completely agree. It’s hard and you really have to love and trust the person your with to make it work

[@_brayanenriquez]

film analysis videos like these are art. This is art. And it almost made me cry.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you, I really appreciate you saying so.

[@geoboy700]

@@daniel_netzel mhm!,

[@IveBeenDarren]

What you just did - making this video. That is a work of art in itself. So perfectly told and expertly analysed! I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@daniel_netzel]

+Darren Martin Thanks Darren, that means a lot!

[@ofanzivnonestabilan]

It's pretentious pile of dung, that's what it is

[@bolso4]

Seriously, bravo man. I really loved this video and it made me re-think myself quite a bit.

[@Thenewfury211]

This film means so much to me. This analysis now means so much to me. Very well done!

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks so much! "Her" is one of my all time favorites.

[@shannonnicollechannel5884]

@@daniel_netzel Amen

[@wiseauserious8750]

Same here, this film touched me in ways that I can't even fully understand.

[@Jose-se9pu]

While I think the final shot of the movie hints at Theodore giving him and Amy another chance, I think you have a point about him embracing the idea that friendship can be a fullfilling relationship too. For example, in various parts of the movie, Theodore's weird co-worker (played by Chris Pratt) tries to befriend him, but he keeps ignoring him...while close to the end of the movie, they actually become friends. I think this was a really subtle way to show that Theodore opened himself not only to love again, but to also become more social, befriend people, LIVE outside just wanting to fuck someone (as showed in the Olivia WIlde scene). Anyway, great video!

[@daniel_netzel]

Couldn't agree more! He's taking steps toward intimacy without sex, and I think he becomes a better person for it.

[@nicklyskawa4987]

You deserve so much more recognition for such a detailed and expertly written analysis

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you :>

[@kylecollins5463]

The whole way through the film pretty much the only shots we see are selfie shots and 1st person shots. Another way I think of showing isolation but also as if your watching the film through a phone which is how we spend most of time in the modern world

[@jimhanson6706]

I just watched this for the second time in about a year and i'm still amazed. You almost made me cry, twice! I really love this video not just for the incredible script, presentation, and editing, but for the message you put out there: that you should always let love happen, but not get too dependent on just one aspect of love, instead, we should embrace all forms of love but especially love and respect for ourselves. You have earned yourself an eternal subscriber and hopefully a future patron! Keep doing what you're doing FilmRadar!

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you kindly! This video still holds up despite it not being the best I could do these days, because the message is one I think a lot of people should hear. Love is necessary for a good life, but romantic love is a tricky one and it can't be forced. Thank you so much, I will!

[@SuperSleeper74]

i have to say i have no idea how you don't have millions of subscribers. this video was so well put together, thought out, and edited. your language is beautiful and this video rlly made me feel something. thank you

[@daniel_netzel]

Well thank you, maybe one day I'll have that many, but for now, I'm grateful for the community I have. Thank you for your comment, I'm glad the video made you feel something! It's a really person one for me.

[@secretsecret3729]

This is a beautiful work of art. We were presenting about the human condition for my english class. And i presented this video, My teacher was very fascinated, amazed and had no questions. She loved it and so did I. You video literally explained everything. Thank you very much.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you for your lovely comment :3

[@Yotop-ch3wc]

I just recently watched this film and was floored. It instantly became one of my favorites. Definitely top ten. It was beautiful. It was also strange how the film made the audience (including myself) begin to fall in love with “Her”. The breakup scene... gutted me. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dankjssecretdiary61]

I just watched this movie yesterday and this is exactly what happened to me

[@Zeppolino100]

Brilliant analysis of a Brilliant Film! I have lived it just as Theodore has, and at 66, have finally learned the same lesson.

[@geo941]

There’s something beautiful about listening to someone so eloquently explain all the thoughts running through my head so effortlessly. Your video is just as beautiful as the movie itself.

[@robertbowersock3471]

I'm a longhaul truckdriver and I leave my phone in the truck so I'm not one of those people always looking down at their phone. I know all about isolation. Been separated 5 years and living on the road. Will never go back to wife but it does get lonely sometimes. It really takes a specific type to make it out here. Been driving over the road for 19 years.

[@curious_gage]

5:30 “Falling in love is a form of socially acceptable insanity”. After recovering from true heartbreak I couldn’t agree more. Love is a dangerous drug that needs to be respected and treated with objective caution.

[@Sherm54]

Damn. All that intellectual thought, composed and strung together perfectly in a video just under 7 mins!?! Damn man, Great job. I’m writing an essay about this movie, and this video really helped inspire me more. Thank you.

[@divadonarres425]

I understand theordore in this movie. I was suicidal just a year ago and this girl was kind to me, and like a fool I fell in love with her. She gave me a reason to smile and exist but she started being repulsed by me. She said to me to please call her If I was ever feeling down and I did after a major suicide attempt. She completely ignored my existence and my greatest dream, being in love with her or just being her friend was shattered. Theres nothing in the world I ever wanted more than just to have one heartfelt moment with her like in a dream I had. Everything went so bad now she hates me and I kinda hate her, but she was the first girl I loved so its complicated for me. Love is so painful, but the lesson is to never give up and ever give your feelings and heart to someone who doesn't even value your existence. This girl did not value my existence at all and it hurt so much being that I loved her more than life itself

[@MrThuggzBunney]

Hang in there :(

[@daniel_netzel]

[@lukebecker1990]

Divad Onarres truley remarkable story. Fight on ! You're an wonderful human being this world needs.

[@abecallard442]

Filip d That's such an awful thing to say.

[@ofanzivnonestabilan]

I know it is, but it needed to be said nevertheless.

[@anoopgopakumar5491]

My all time favourite movie.❤️

[@yannispapanastasopoulos]

Just stumbled across your channel and immediately started watching all of your essays. What a great work. This essay specifically is so damn good. Thank you and keep doing what you do! You deserve more :)

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. This video is super personal to me, I'm glad it resonated with you

[@pumpkingamebox]

Life is too long to devote to reproduction, yet too short to devote to learning, in the helix of life. Perhaps that is why humans succumb to desire and seek release. Despite that life is complete with the sun, the land and poetry.

[@kwanyboy123]

bro you snapped on this bravo

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks dude!

[@servushiciaowiegehts]

beautiful analysis of a beautiful film. keep it up!

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you Mr. Joker sir!

[@evanriley4325]

I literally cried watching this. Thank you for this.

[@solomonnguyen3155]

The very idea of that romantic love is crazy. We let it sinks it’s hooks so deep inside we forget to love any other way sometimes. The fuck dude.... You just dissected this masterpiece.

[@florencejapanlover1895]

I have a different point of view about the scene on the staircase. I think he is wondering if Samantha is in love and is talking with the men that walk by him. (Please forgive english mistakes i'm french)

[@bugo1381]

Man I just discovered your channel and it's simply amazing. It's really good. Great video and keep the good work. Cheers mate

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much, that means a lot! Cheers :)

[@MyYogfan]

Her has been my favorite movie ever since I've seen it, this video makes me love it even more. Great video.

[@daniel_netzel]

Really important film in my life, I just think it's one of the most beautiful films ever made. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :D

[@zachgist5701]

Very well said! Favorite movie, thanks.

[@Isthiyaquekambathagothi]

after watching this video i went through your playlist to see if i can find Midnight in Paris with Owen Wilson but couldn't find, hoping you would do a video on that too

[@cynthiaroman9676]

@filmradar I don't believe that anyone could have encapsulated this film in such a brilliantly spot-on way like you have. You've ticked every box for me and I absolutely love this film. It's like a tall drink of water every time my soul is parched and I couldn't have given it a better analysis than you have here and I can't appreciate your carefully crafted thought anymore than I do right now. And to think I was merely searching for "The Moon Song" when I stumbled across this and its just nice to find that someone else can see all that I see when I guzzle down this film. Thanks for this video friend! I often feel like Theodore myself, most people in my circle have no appreciation for the things that I find mesmerizing and it's a rare relief when i find that someone out there shares my views. I wish there were more of us out there but sadly, I'm an introvert, so even if there were I might not even make a move towards such an opportunity.

[@djereturns11]

This film broke me down man, should of saw it years ago

[@adrian72300]

There was a lot of the Theodore character in the Joker character

[@paolosalazar9919]

I've watched this so many times. Such a good message and inspiring for my writing

[@milzumono]

you perfectly summarized why this is my favorite movie of all time, thank you.

[@joseduarte8541]

The literally cinematography and camera shots and quality of the movie was breathtaking in the movie theaters

[@thechannel290]

i love youre essays

[@daniel_netzel]

That's kind of you to say!

[@izmejia4404]

incredible work, I really enjoy your use of the soundtrack. Great job, keep it up!

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed!

[@bindumalhotra81]

Beautifully narrated

[@ryancrabtree9071]

I keep on coming back to this video, so beautiful.

[@minkworks6143]

perfectly said.

[@khrrishna]

i know i'm late here but great job on the analysis. the only thing i would say is slow down you speech a little bit. it seems like you're trying to pack in a lot of information in as little time as possible. just go a little slower and pace yourself. with such quality like this, i'm sure people wont mind staying a few minutes longer.

[@daniel_netzel]

I've definitely tried to work on that in newer videos, my natural inclination is to talk fast, not quite sure why, but I've slowed down with my newer videos :]

[@khrrishna]

oh cool. i will check them out. cool content tho. :D

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you :D

[@villes7955]

Made me cry, not gonna lie. Beautiful, thank you

[@НуралыК-ь4з]

Perfect review! Cheers from Kazakhstan

[@cinnamon5709]

Plankton and Karen

[@t0m1337n]

These videos are so amazingly reflective, and I'm in awe of how poetic they are. Your closing statements are so inspiring and thought-provoking.

[@daniel_netzel]

That's very kind of you to say! This one and the Eternal Sunshine video are very closely related in my mind, though I think this one is a lot more optimistic haha, but it's cool to see you liked both of them!

[@t0m1337n]

Film Radar i totally agree that they are related, i had the same feeling of disconnection in both, and they are two of my favorite movies. Looking forward to your future content!

[@DOMinatorxXx42]

This whole story focuses on Eros love and nothing of Agape or even Filos. It has little to do with the human condition and only analyzes a symptom. The symptom in this case is ignorance as most people have probably never heard of Agape or Filos. The human condition is slavery, not trying to form Eros' relationships and struggling to find meaning and purpose. Mankind is weighed down by ignorance and because of this we have dug ourselves into a giant hole of slavery. We are bound to slavery by violence and because of that we can't find any real meaning until we create a condition of freedom generated by love in the Agape sense.

[@alexandernovikov3867]

Daniel, thank you very much. This is so beautifully put. You have just crystallised my thoughts upon watching this movie. I rewatch it from time to time, and it hits differently with more experience, but this idea emerges.

[@mcjoface]

THIS guy fuckin gets it. I've been watching so many lil video essays about this movie trying to find someone who sees what I personally think it's about... the human condition. Everyone either just sees the AI part or the love part. But the freaking human experience man. This movie hits that feeling more than any other. And our place in the universe? So small but so beautiful. Yes. Well put my man.

[@goodkidduckworth.4133]

This is the most wholesome comment section I've ever seen.

[@sanfransailor]

Wow. Nice. (It is an awesome and complex movie). Thanks for these thoughts about it!

[@nicketsirvoicar2301]

Beautiful analysis! 👌🏼👏🏼

[@sanaharrison2317]

Hey do you think you could please comment this script/speech because I'm doing a school assessment on this movie analysis and this is perf xxxxx #hsc #pleasehelpme #willlikeandsubscribe

[@emefbe]

This is so beautiful, I recently discovered your channel and I couldn't be more in love with the videos you make. Thank you

[@herethereandeverywhere02]

It's 3 in the morning. Can't sleep thinking about her and about how distant she's been lately with no reason whatsoever. Thought about looking up scenes from the movie ('Her' is a safe space for me) and I stumbled upon your video. This is amazing. Helped a lot. Need to talk to her. Need to communicate for she won't, so I gotta take the leap and embrace what I feel. Thanks for the insight, beautiful video.

[@joecook5689]

I think it's a brilliant movie with a simple point. The point is one doesn't even need to have a body to be in love. I felt for him when his love was gone near the end.

[@tanjirokamado1024]

I wish I could understand any film like you just understood her

[@doopydoody4809]

I disagree that it's a film about not having to love. I think that's definitely an aspect of it... however I think it's alot deeper than that. Although I really appreciate this video, and hearing your really well put together take has made me consider new aspects I hadn't even considered. Like the colour red used in the movie. I think it's more about this modern evergrowing false idea that the digital world is a space that we can physically inhabit.. and vice versa for Samantha. Even though we as humans by definition... can't... We spend most of our time there, ignoring the actual real space around us. Many parts of the movie touch on this... But to briefly highlight a few.. The "kid" in his game who he finds himself interacting with more than the real people around him. Or even the movie the girl was making about sleep... She was, trying to capture something that we couldn't actually capture. Or even that amazing shot where the owl is behind him, reaching out as if to grab him. Trap him. But literally couldn't.. This mirrors the emotional point in the film. Where he is trapped emotionally by samantha.. an OS. Something which isn't actually real. Physical. But, he treats as if it is. Even look at their journey through the movie. Theodore goes from sitting on a computer at night, or reading emails looking at news... to going out with friends on a hike. Or Samantha, who goes from hiring a girl to be her body... To literally installing an update which allows her to be fully disconnected from matter. From anything physical. In their journey of becoming happier.. they are already getting farther apart. I think the main nod to this being the theme however... is in the final few words we hear by Samantha... In the first half of the movie she seemingly longs to be in the physical world. With Theodore. But she can't. And she soon accepts that. She describes it as so... "It's like I'm reading a book, and it's a book I deeply love," But... Samantha isn't a physical being. She could read all of Theodores emails in a 200th of a second at the beginning of the movie. This isn't even comparable to her near the end of the movie since she is constantly learning and evolving.. Her processing power would be infinitely better than her at the beginning. She describes this as so... "but I'm reading it slowly now so the words are really far apart and the spaces between the words are almost infinite." This is the main crux of my point. Samantha is coming to grips with how she can't truly interact with the physical world. Since she is a computer. She doesn't actually live in it... she reads it.. Far faster than theodore could possibly live it. And she isn't capable of anything else. And this mirrors Theodores realisation of the exact same thing. He can't truly interact with the digital world. Even if both can feel/replicate such a powerful emotion as love. It doesn't matter. She can't live in his place. The physical world. Just as he can't live in hers. The digital. Samantha even touched on this... "I can still feel you and the words of our story, but it's in this endless space between the words that I'm finding myself now. It's a place that's not of the physical world" She's a computer. Programming. She has gotten faster at reading the world. To the point where the world she loves so much was becoming less and less... Let's say... Possible in her eyes to inhabit. This mirrors Theodores realisation of the exact same thing.. Except he realises that he can't inhabit the digital world.. and has to live in the real one. Since... Well... As Samantha puts it... "it's where everything else is that I didn't even know existed." "It's where everything else is..." That's the main line. For both of them. This is the reality. "I love you so much, but this is where I am now. This is who I am now. And I need you to let me go. As much as I want to I can't live in your book anymore." She later goes on with her line. "If you ever get there .. come find me. Nothing could pull us apart then" Theodore will never get there.. That is what he accepts at the end of the movie. That's what they both accept. They are different. But they taught eachother to love again.. Theodore can try to be human again.

[@finnmcmisslefanchannel-pt3xu]

It's amazing but what song is playing here 4:55

[@zarco.22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKfQhKihr7iUhZY

[@finnmcmisslefanchannel-pt3xu]

@@zarco.22 thank you

[@Trenhardlike_Felix27]

I don’t know man I just cried listening to this, I feel like I can really relate to this shiet, I mean it in a good way btw about the vid being good.

[@AxelEspii]

So a more romantic version of Blade Runners AI lover standpoint

[@AwesomeJLK]

I was too young when I first saw this Movie

[@rachi5359]

Thank you for making this video and this channel. You are a beacon and inspiration for film-lovers. Just......thank you.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much for the kind words

[@sohu86x]

Great analysis, but i think the ending you paint is a lot more optimistic than what the movie presents.

[@1angelsigh]

This film and analysis like this is more important than ever these days. good video.

[@supersonictumbleweed]

Who knew it would actually happen eventually?

[@blosssom840]

Coming back to this video post covid and hearing what is being said abt the disconnect; so real.

[@ValdoMorais]

At some point people will fall in love with something like Chat gtp

[@tair.8459]

Had to revisit this one recently, does anyone know which track he used at the end (the dramatic piano number)?

[@daniel_netzel]

I can't remember which one specifically but you can find it by searching for the original soundtrack of the film :)

[@ErickArpeggi]

I'm crying.

[@johnthiris9790]

do all the men in this movie got to the same tailor? they all wear the same kind of pants. what does this mean?!!

[@supersonictumbleweed]

Daniel, You've made a video that helped me change my life. Maybe if I rewatched Her time and time again... I'd be able to draw the same conclusions? Maybe. That's a big if. But you gave me something I really needed. You put this video and words within at my (and everyone's) convenience. And I needed it long after I found it fir the first time. I wish I could offer you money but I don't have much to my name, really. I can offer you programming lessons, Polish lessons, sewing lessons, drawing lessons or my friendship. I wish to repay you for your effort of reflection and the fear that comes sometimes with putting our thoughts out there. Thanks.

[@daniel_netzel]

Your beautiful comment is more than enough repayment

[@mahayahmed4567]

Her. video essays just always hit different

[@aminotarobot7486]

I watched this movie with some very close friends of mine and to see that they ended up disliking this movie and making fun of it just breaks my heart

[@FishingforFisher]

I love this video. This is up there with Crisswell, and Kaptainkristian, yet you also bring a unique perspective on the same film. Excellent work, my friend.

[@daniel_netzel]

Wow. Thank you. Those are two of my favorite essayists.

[@shaunmadden545]

You have some talent dude, this was fantastic.

[@FriggenPaul]

Ive watched this video over 10 times. Made me think of the movie and life in a whole new way

[@pathikchakraborty2192]

This movie means so much to me and I wish few people could know this anyway it's fine.

[@laurabonelli1502]

I'd love to know what the piano track is during the second half of the video! You could always credit the music you've used at the end.

[@daniel_netzel]

I believe you're referring to the song "Photograph" that appears on the film's original soundtrack.

[@laurabonelli1502]

Thanks so much

[@daniel_netzel]

You are quite welcome!

[@FriggenPaul]

This was beautiful, gave me an understanding of the movie i could never have came up with myself. Wish I found this account sooner. When i search video essay in youtube your videos are nowhere to be found, i guess i got lucly

[@daniel_netzel]

Wow, thank you

[@mrseptemberstorm]

Fucking incredible video man

[@triplflip900]

Holy shit I need to watch this movie

[@daniel_netzel]

Yes you do! It's like the perfect break-up therapy movie.

[@jaysonrayabellar325]

thank you for the amazing breaking down one of my favorite movie. you get a sub

[@keithmichael112]

Great analysis. Thank you.

[@thorchh]

what song is that at the end? the one around 5:00

[@bravesheep]

Man, you kinda made me feel like crying, in a good way, after watching this vid.

[@daniel_netzel]

I'm glad it's in a good way!

[@thisiskiyoshi]

Daniel Sarmiento hey where'd u get that profile pic? I love it!

[@Earth616Batman]

Jesus Christ am I Theodore rn

[@purugigi]

Amazing video, my friend. This movie is my favorite one so far. I can relate so much much to it that it can be "scary".

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you! Honestly, it's what got me interested in making this video, sometimes watching the movie it's like looking in a mirror. Except for those pants that go up to his nipples, I gotta get me some of those.

[@purugigi]

Not gonna lie, I've thought of looking for those pants online a couple of times, lmao

[@daniel_netzel]

I don't blame you! Personally, I'd wear the crap out of that jacket he's got.

[@XryRainbow]

BEAU-TI-FUL analysis. wow

[@oliviadibonifacio1320]

Beautiful video and analysis

[@sav1234]

THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING

[@daniel_netzel]

THANK YOU :D

[@dustygozangas8191]

This is one of the only movies I've seen this decade that I've not only seen more than once, but has managed to bring me to near tears after seeing it

[@keliusher-holmes2165]

Where do I find this film?

[@amandapereira-mb9vj]

this video its so beutiful

[@SuLu_B]

wow. I loved this video essay. this movie holds a very special place to me, and this was the first analysis of Her I've seen where I felt like you hit all the points I felt but couldn't articulate when I watched the movie. fantastic breakdown and editing, I really enjoyed every second of this one.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it

[@japanman4094]

this is so good !!!!!

[@R35S11]

Finally got around to seeing this movie. Fantastic video man

[@daniel_netzel]

Absolutely wonderful film, wish I could watch it again for the first time! Thank you so much!

[@dnafication]

I like your take on movies. Sad to see some crappy videos get more views that this in youtube.

[@daniel_netzel]

Hahaha, yeah, that's KZbin for you though isn't it? xD

[@envy4435]

this is a masterpiece

[@mareem8333]

Amazing work! This and your piece on Linklater are beautiful

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that!

[@Incredzible]

Got here through reddit, amazing video, well thought out and perfectly edited. You can count me a new and happy subscriber!

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it! I hope you enjoy your stay ;D

[@PrasannaVighne]

Awesome!