In our Klara and the Sun review, we dissect Taika Waititi's latest film, a sci-fi adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel that misses the mark. The movie attempts to blend quirky humor with poignant drama but ends up as a sentimental mess.
Klara and the Sun Review: Plot and Performances
The story is set in a dystopian future where families can purchase "Artificial Friends" (AFs) for their children. Klara, played by Jenna Ortega, is one such AF—a manic pixie dream robot designed to be a perfect companion. The film follows her journey as she navigates a world ravaged by a third world war that supposedly wiped out the internet, yet everything looks surprisingly intact.
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Waititi's direction is overly stylized, drowning the narrative in postmodern quirkiness. Ortega's performance, while committed, feels forced, lacking the depth needed for such a complex role. The supporting cast, including Natasha Lyonne as an AF salesperson, is underutilized.
Key Takeaways from Klara and the Sun
- Mismatched tone: The film swings between unfunny comedy and forced sentimentality.
- Underdeveloped world-building: The post-WW3 setting raises unanswered questions.
- Weak character development: Klara's arc feels shallow and predictable.
- Missed opportunities: The film fails to explore AI, love, or grief meaningfully.
Comparison: Klara and the Sun vs. Other AI Films
| Film | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Worldwide Gross | AI Portrayal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klara and the Sun | 45% | $25M | Manic Pixie Dream Robot |
| Ex Machina | 92% | $36M | Sinister and Cerebral |
| Her | 95% | $48M | Emotional and Nuanced |
| Blade Runner 2049 | 88% | $259M | Philosophical and Gritty |
Direction and Writing
Waititi, known for Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok, seems out of his depth here. His signature humor falls flat, and the emotional beats are unearned. The screenplay, also by Waititi, tries to balance satire and sentiment but achieves neither. The film's attempts at irony come off as forced, and its poignant moments feel manipulative.
Moreover, the world-building is inconsistent. The AFs have purple blood called PEC-9, which is highly flammable—a design flaw that's mentioned but never explored. Such details suggest a lack of attention to coherence.
Final Verdict
Klara and the Sun is a disappointing adaptation that fails to capture the depth of Ishiguro's novel. It's a soft-centred sci-fi-lite that demands laughter at its unfunny humor and tears at its pass-agg poignancy. Fans of Waititi may be left wanting, and newcomers will find little to appreciate.
FAQ
What is Klara and the Sun about?
Klara and the Sun follows an Artificial Friend (AF) named Klara who is purchased to be a companion for a sickly teenager. The film explores themes of love, grief, and artificial intelligence in a dystopian future.
Who directed Klara and the Sun?
The film is directed by Taika Waititi, known for his work on Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit.
Is Klara and the Sun worth watching?
Critics and audiences alike have been largely disappointed. The film struggles with tone and fails to deliver a compelling narrative, making it a skip for most viewers.
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