In a dystopian future some children are genetically engineered – ‘lifted’ – for enhanced academic ability. As schooling is provided entirely at home by on-screen tutors, opportunities for socialisation are limited and parents who can afford it often buy their children androids as companions. One such Artificial Friend (AF) is Klara.
From Academy-Award-winning writer-director Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), comes the adaptation of the bestselling, critically acclaimed novel from Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara And The Sun, a heartwarming sci-fi story that explores the complexities of what it means to be human.
From her place in the store, Klara (Jenna Ortega), an AF with outstanding observational qualities, carefully watches the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.
When Klara meets Josie (Mia Tharia), they each immediately sense a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught relationship with her mother (five-time Academy Award-nominee Amy Adams), and they’ve suffered great loss, but Klara’s innocent wonder and unwavering loyalty begin to heal the family and bring light to Josie’s complicated world.
Klara And The Sun takes an insightful look into our rapidly changing modern world, examining the limits of technology to solve human problems, and artfully exploring the complexities of love, grief and the human soul, pondering the fundamental question: what does it mean to love?
Klara And The Sun screens at Palace Cinemas this week. See palacecinemas.com.au for more information and times.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
