HER: The Presence of Absence

Film: Her (2013)
Director: Spike Jonze

Her is a story about loneliness in a constantly connected world. My poster explores the inner, closed-off reality of a contemporary introverted single- a person who is physically alone, yet emotionally invested in a relationship with someone who does not exist. It is a quiet image about intimacy, absence, and human needs in the age of artificial intelligence.

Analog tools (sketching stage):
– fineliner
– markers
– tracing paper

Digital tools:
- graphic tablet (Wacom Intuos)
- MediBang Paint Pro
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign

Research and references:
– film stills from Her
– Pinterest (visual research and mood exploration)
– photographic reference (author unknown)
– real-life observation (human behaviour, human shadows, solitude in public spaces)

Medium: digital illustration, authorial composition, color grading

I chose "her" because, although the film was released in 2013, it feels even more relevant today. It portrays a deeply introverted man who moves through life alone-walking, eating, and existing by himself- a condition that has become increasingly common in modern society.
In an era of technology and artificial intelligence, it often feels easier to seek comfort in a controlled, non-human relationship than to face the complexity of real emotional bonds or one’s own inner struggles. My poster reflects this contemporary, emotionally closed world of singles who choose solitude, while still craving connection.
The key visual motif is emptiness-represented by the empty table, empty space, and the attention directed toward a non-existent presence. Theodore’s gaze and body language focus entirely on the hologram. Without it, he would be sitting completely alone. This absence is central to the composition and meaning of the poster.
The warm, pink light references the emotional intimacy and softness of the film’s visual language. At the same time, it creates a contrast: the light suggests warmth and closeness, yet it does not truly replace human presence- it only imitates it.

Let’s start with the emotions...

I began the process by rewatching "her". My goal was not only to recall the storyline, but to fully immerse myself in its atmosphere- to feel the emotional state of the protagonist, the pace, the silence, and the intimacy that define the film. As this is one of my favorite movies, it was important for me to approach the project with sensitivity and emotional awareness.

Next, I began a stage of visual research. I searched for images and references that express loneliness, stillness, and relationships with something intangible. While browsing materials on Pinterest, I paid close attention to ensuring that my concept did not replicate existing posters for the film, but was instead inspired by mood and emotion.
During this stage, I came across a photograph (author unknown) that resonated with me deeply on an emotional level and became one of the key points of inspiration.
The color palette was drawn directly from the film- particularly its characteristic pink tones and warm, soft lighting. Additionally, I was inspired by the aesthetic of the operating system interface shown in the movie: minimal, subtle, and emotionally neutral rather than aggressive or overtly technological.

I then moved on to small compositional sketches. They allowed me to test the relationship between negative space and the figure, the direction of the gaze, and the impact of an intangible presence on the perception of the scene. Based on these sketches, the composition of the entire image emerged.

The final illustration was created digitally using a graphic tablet in MediBang Paint Pro. I focused on contrast, a limited color palette, and a clear, calm composition. Emptiness and silence became elements equal in importance to the protagonist, shaping the emotional impact of the image.

Final color adjustments and visual effects were completed in Adobe Photoshop, using filters, contrast and brightness adjustments, and subtle grain. Typography and text layout were designed in Adobe InDesign.

The final poster presents an intimate scene that initially suggests dialogue, but ultimately reveals solitude. The hologram functions as a symbol of a relationship that is visually present yet physically absent.
In the mockups, the poster behaves differently depending on the time of day. During daylight, it appears quiet and restrained. After sunset, it becomes more luminous and visually striking, emitting a warm glow. Nighttime was treated as a metaphor for the moment when loneliness becomes most intense and emotionally tangible.

I also considered an alternative version of the poster in which the hologram would appear only after dark. During the day, the protagonist would be completely alone, while nighttime- a moment of heightened isolation- would reveal the artificial presence.
This concept was meant to emphasize the contrast between reality and technological escape, and to suggest that the need for closeness often intensifies when the world slows down and silence becomes more noticeable.