Klara and the Sun opens in US and UK theaters on October 23. Directed by Taika Waititi and adapted by Waititi and Dahvi Waller from Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 novel, the film stars Jenna Ortega as Klara, an artificial friend designed to observe and provide emotional support. The cast also includes Amy Adams, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne.
After its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 15, critics landed hard on the film. Metacritic aggregates a score of 27 out of 100 from eight reviews. Rotten Tomatoes sits at 33 percent positive. The majority of negative notices target Waititi's comedic approach to Ishiguro's quieter source material.
The consistent exception is Ortega. Flickdirect reviewer Allison Rose, writing on October 20, describes "a wonderful performance from Jenna Ortega," noting she "brings innocence and wonder" to the role and portrays Klara "with humor and a sense of naiveté and wonder." Multiple publications separated her work from the film's broader reception.
Klara and the Sun was produced by David Heyman, Garrett Basch, and Waititi for 3000 Pictures. Michael Giacchino composed the score. Principal photography took place in New Zealand beginning January 2024 under the working title Tears and Rain. The film is distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.
Ortega has The Gallerist, opposite Natalie Portman, due in December 2026, according to Deadline. Whatever this week holds for Klara and the Sun, her schedule moves forward.
