Klara and the Sun: Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
In a near future where artificial intelligence has become part of everyday life, some children grow up with an unusual kind of companion. Klara, played by Jenna Ortega, is one of these AI companions, an Artificial Friend. She is curious, attentive and eager to belong somewhere. Her world changes when she meets Josie (Mia Tharia), a girl she connects with straight away.
Josie’s home life is far from simple. Tension runs between Josie and her mother, and the household carries burdens that are rarely spoken aloud. Klara joins this family as an observer and a friend. She sees the people around her with fresh, unguarded eyes and stays steadfastly devoted to Josie. Her presence begins to shift the way the family relates to one another.
The story unfolds in a quietly dystopian setting. It explores friendship, family bonds and what it means to care for someone. It also asks whether a machine’s devotion can be as real as a human one. The sun, as the title suggests, holds a special place in Klara’s view of the world.
What Makes Klara and the Sun Notable
- Director: Taika Waititi directs. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Dahvi Waller.
- Cast: Jenna Ortega leads as Klara, with Mia Tharia as Josie. The ensemble also includes Amy Adams (Chrissie), Natasha Lyonne (Manager), Steve Buscemi (Capaldi), Rachel House (Melania), Aran Murphy (Rick), Davida McKenzie (Simone), Anastasiia Aksiuta (AF-1) and Harry Greenwood.
- Genre: The film combines science fiction and drama. Its focus is emotional, centred on a mother-daughter relationship and an unlikely friendship rather than spectacle.
- Source material: It is based on a novel. HarperCollins Publishers is among the production partners.
- Origin: This is a UK–US production in English. It comes from 3000 Pictures, Heyday Films, TSG Entertainment, Spyglass Media Group and Garrett Basch Productions.
- Tagline: “Meet the future of friendship.”
If you’re looking for a review, this page focuses on the facts. It covers the story’s premise, the creative team and where the film is showing, so you can decide whether it suits you. The Drama4U Score is shown separately on this page.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Viewers drawn to thoughtful, character-driven science fiction about AI and humanity
- Fans of Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams or Taika Waititi’s work
- Readers who enjoy seeing novels adapted for the screen
- Anyone moved by stories about family relationships, especially between mothers and daughters
- Audiences who prefer emotional, reflective drama over action-heavy sci-fi
Release Date & Where to Watch
Klara and the Sun was first released on 21 October 2026. In the United States, it opened in cinemas on 23 October 2026 with a PG-13 certification. The runtime is 116 minutes (about 1 hour 56 minutes).
Streaming and digital rental options are not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of 24 October 2026. For now, cinemas are the place to see it. An official trailer is available.
Trailer
Cast
Jenna Ortegaas Klara
Mia Thariaas Josie
Amy Adamsas Chrissie
Natasha Lyonneas Manager
Aran Murphyas Rick
Rachel Houseas Melania
Steve Buscemias CapaldiSee credits →
Davida McKenzieas Simone
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When was Klara and the Sun released?
- Klara and the Sun was first released on 21 October 2026. In the US, it opened in cinemas on 23 October 2026.
- Where can I watch Klara and the Sun?
- In the US, the film is showing in cinemas. Streaming and digital options are not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of 24 October 2026.
- Who is in the cast of Klara and the Sun?
- Jenna Ortega stars as Klara and Mia Tharia plays Josie. The cast also includes Amy Adams, Natasha Lyonne, Steve Buscemi, Rachel House, Aran Murphy, Davida McKenzie, Anastasiia Aksiuta and Harry Greenwood.
- Who directed Klara and the Sun?
- Taika Waititi directed the film. He co-wrote the screenplay with Dahvi Waller.
- How long is Klara and the Sun and what is it rated?
- The film runs 116 minutes. It is rated PG-13 in the United States.
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