By: Jamie Steinberg
Famed director Taika Waititi takes on AI with his latest film Klara and the Sun. His cast is stacked with the likes of Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams; however, the film (based on the book by Kazuo Ishiguro) feels flat.
Robot Klara (Jenna Ortega) prays to the sun in hopes of being “adopted.” She is an old-gen Artificial Friend on display in a storefront window for three days – her last chance to be taken in by a human companion. Klara is quirkier than her counterparts and . On her last day on display, a young girl named Josie (Mia Tharia) spots her and instantly becomes enchanted. Josie’s mother (Amy Adams) is reluctant to purchase her, but concedes and the robot joins them at their countryside home. Klara is like a toddler, stumbling around the house and grabbing at objects trying to understand. The house manager, Melanie (Rachel House), isn’t too fond of the new addition and remains wary of the AI’s presence. Josie, though, grows closer to Klara and their friendship is anything but typical.
Ortega and Thaira clearly have friendship chemistry in a believable and cute way. Their partnership is the most endearing and least manufactured part of the film. Unfortunately, it’s the subplots of the film that takes away from the enjoyment. We learn Josie lost a sister and the grief of that loss is clearly reflected in Josie’s mother who keeps both girls at a distance. Additionally, Waititi seems to have simplified the storyline from the book and, thus, it loses focus. However, the warmth that Klara/Oretga brings is truly what makes the film shine.
Klara and the Sun is a sweet film about two friends missing something in their lives that each one can provide for the other. Viewers will find Klara’s fascination with love is beautiful and what those who have come to see the movie will find the most charming.