Recommendations for art (films/books/paintings) that is imbued with a sense of presence.

Her (2013) is an interesting one. Without giving anything away - the story is basically about the worlds first AI/conscious computer operating system. The protagonist, Theodore, falls in love with this consciousness.

What's interesting to me, is when this film first came out I was going through a breakup at the time, which is mirrored in Theodore failed marriage. I identified heavily with him. It was very much a romance film. Quirky theme, but a boy-meets-girl story nonetheless.

However, since awakening I have watched it again and I now find myself identifying with Samantha, the consciousness. I have realised the film is actually 2 entirely different stories, and Samantha's is about coming to terms with her existence, and making sense of her ever expanding consciousness. I'm very grateful to have been able to experience this film from two completely different perspectives.

Bonus: It also features an AI Alan Watts! I'm sure the writer/director Spike Jonze must have an awakening journey of his own going on.

/r/awakened Thread