In 2021, Klara and the Sun was published, a dystopian science fiction novel by the Japanese-British Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. In the story, he depicts a world in which genetic modification has led to strict social segregation. Those who can afford it have their children genetically modified so that they can achieve great things academically. New Zealand director Taika Waititi has now adapted it for the screen, with Jenna Ortega, Mia Tharia and Amy Adams in the lead roles. Steve Buscemi also makes an appearance.
Klara (Ortega) is an AF, an Artificial Friend whose purpose is to keep children company whilst teaching all sorts of things. Klara is an outdated model, yet she is chosen as an artificial friend by 14-year-old, terminally ill Josie (Tharia). And Josie certainly needs one, as she finds it difficult to get on with her mother, Chrissie (Adams). With her naïve sense of wonder and unwavering loyalty, Klara manages to bring the family closer together. But Josie’s health is deteriorating.
Klara and the Sun
Genre
Drama, Sciencefiction
Expected
29 Oct 2026
Directed by
Taika Waititi
Language
Engels
Duration
116
Origin
Groot-Brittannië, VS, 2026
Viewing guide
In a dystopian future, the out-of-date android Klara is chosen as an ‘Artificial Friend’ by Josie, a sick 14-year-old. That choice has a major impact on family life.