In our film series The History of the Future, this time we join Joris Krijger as he explores the film Her (2013), in which Joaquin Phoenix (The Joker) falls in love with his ‘Siri’ called Samantha.
- Date
- Tuesday 20 Oct 2026, 19:00 - 21:30
- Type
- General
- Spoken Language
- English
- Location
Erasmus Paviljoen
Does it sometimes feel as though Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant is the only social contact you have? Or perhaps even your only friend?
In this film, it goes a step further, with a system called Samantha developing into the ideal girlfriend for Theodore. Not surprising, of course, as Samantha sounds like Scarlett Johansson.
Back in 2013, this still seemed very futuristic, but how accurate was the picture that director Spike Jonze painted in this film? How do we view these kinds of AI-driven systems now? And is it all positive, or are there also dangerous aspects to sharing your personal data everywhere?
AI ethicist and PhD candidate at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Joris Krijger, regularly writes columns and gives lectures on the ethical impact of artificial intelligence. His work focuses on what it means to be human in the age of AI and the question of how algorithms are designed. This evening, he will show us the real Samantha’s of our time.
Your Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant can come along for free, but a human date might be just a little bit more fun.
A sensitive and soulful man earns a living by writing personal letters for other people. Left heartbroken after his marriage ends, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes fascinated with a new operating system which reportedly develops into an intuitive and unique entity. He starts the program and meets "Samantha" (Scarlett Johansson), whose bright voice reveals a sensitive, playful personality. Though "friends" initially, the relationship soon deepens into love.
Director: Spike Jonze
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Chris Pratt Scarlett Johansson (voice)
Year: 2013
Length: 127 minutes
Language: English as well as English subtitled
- More information
Date: Tuesday 20 October
Time: 19.00-21.30 Doors open: 18.30
Location: Theater Erasmus Paviljoen
Entrance: Free, but reservation recommended.Organized by Studium Generale and cinEUR
