Spike Jonze's 'Her' to open in the midst of awards season

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Writer-director Spike Jonze's "Her" is to open in limited release Dec. 18 in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, Warner Bros. Pictures announced Tuesday.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson, the Los Angeles-set romantic drama is to open wide Jan. 10.

Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures, said the dates in the midst of awards season were chosen due to strong positive reactions coming out of early screenings. The New York Film Festival also announced "Her" as its selection for the prestigious closing-night gala slot.

"Spike Jonze has created an unconventional love story that is thought-provoking and reflective of our modern age," Fellman said in a statement. "Based on the responses we've seen thus far, we have confidence that 'Her' will be embraced by both critics and audiences and look forward to sharing it with them, beginning in the holiday season."

The film stars Phoenix as "a complex, soulful man who makes his living writing touching, personal letters for other people.

"Heartbroken after the end of a long relationship, he becomes intrigued with a new, advanced operating system, which promises to be an intuitive and unique entity in its own right," a synopsis said. "Upon initiating it, he is delighted to meet Samantha, a bright, female voice who is insightful, sensitive and surprisingly funny. As her needs and desires grow in tandem with his own, their friendship deepens into an eventual love for each other."

The film co-stars Amy Adams, Rooney Mara and Olivia Wilde.