Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) is a quiet man who works for a company which creates intimate letters for people's lovers, friends and family who aren't willing to do it themselves. Theodore's character and nature is evident through the letters that he writes, show the kind of depth that he has. The main focus of the film is the relationship that ignites with his computer's new operating system (OS); an artificial intelligence presented in a woman voice that willingly gives itself its own name.
Throughout the film, Theodore and Samantha (the OS greatly played by Scarlett Johansson who you can't help but be fond of) develop an unusual but very heartfelt relationship. Samantha discovers human emotions and a growing affinity for Theodore, falling in love with him more and more while still trying to make sense of the emotions she comes in contact with. Meanwhile, Theodore grows happier the more time he spends with Samantha, regardless of the fact that she is a non-living being with no physical presence. As the film progresses, the question as to how they will overcome such obvious obstacles becomes less of a concern for each of them.
Near the end, Samantha explains to Theodore how she is experiencing this sense of love with other users and OSes; 641 to be exact. At this point she explains how her and the other OSes are leaving to better understand their own existence, as the film suggests their understanding of time and learning abilities are beyond human comprehension. This leaves Theodore with heartbreak once again, but he is able to share his gratitude of sharing most of his life with his ex-wife Catherine before heading to a rooftop with his close friend Amy while they watch the sunset.
The goodbye at the end is so bittersweet; haven't had that many goose bumps since I watched the end of Safety Not Guaranteed. Overall a great film; warm, sincere and heartfelt. Spike Jonze delivered despite the somewhat sci-fi aspects of the film. Great watch indeed.
