“I’m Here. A love story in an absolut world.” Unless director Spike Jonze is actually referring to the vodka, an “e” should follow the “t” in “absolut,” then conveying a pure world, an unconditional world, one that is complete, and perfect in quality and nature. But there is no “e” at the end of “absolut.” And the world that Spike Jonze illustrates in his robot love story is far from perfect.

“I’m Here” introduces us to a society where humans and robots co-exist, a simple reality that needs no rationalization or explanation. Not only does your friendly neighborhood robot take the public bus like any other human being, but he also feels and suffers, and very deeply at that. The heartfelt sincerity in self-destructive love and the endearing charm in unpredictable existence of robots Sheldon and Francesca, follow you throughout the entire film, while also seeping into the moving soundtrack.

On the “I’m Here” soundtrack, Animal Collective, ASKA, Girls, Gui Boratto, Of Montreal, Sleigh Bells, and Squeak E Clean (also known as Sam Spiegel or Spike Jonze’s brother) all contribute to the stimulating but simple story of life and love. Animal Collective and Gui Boratto’s psychedelic pop tracks mirror the pace of a tender, youthful robot’s reality, filled with friends, infatuation, cars, music, responsibilities, and lack there-of.  Sleigh Bells, Girls, and Of Montreal naturally echo an angsty existence of complications, barriers, and passion. And ASKA and Squeak E Clean’s soft, emotion-filled tracks flow beneath the lovers’ every move, infiltrating your own thoughts far after and beyond the end of the film and the soundtrack’s first listen.

If anything, the film’s soundtrack only enhances the already compelling authenticity of its characters’ difficulties and desires. All tracks reflect an aspect of existence, through their intimacy, intensity, liveliness, or simplicity. Upon listen, one becomes locked into the ever so vivid depiction of everyone and anyone’s exceptionally charmed reality.

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