Klara and the Sun

The film follows Klara, an Artificial Friend who forms a deep bond with Josie, a troubled young girl in a grieving family. The synopsis points to a story about devotion, innocent wonder and hope returning to a household marked by loss. At 116 minutes, it looks like a compact, character-led drama with a science fiction frame rather than a plot-heavy spectacle.

Jenna Ortega plays Klara and Mia Tharia plays Josie, so the central relationship rests on these two. Amy Adams appears as Chrissie, the grieving household's adult presence. Natasha Lyonne, Rachel House, Aran Murphy, Davida McKenzie and Steve Buscemi fill out a supporting cast with real range. The casting suggests a focus on quiet, emotional performance, but the film's release is still ahead and I won't claim how well any of them land.

Taika Waititi directs a story built on sincerity, innocence and grief. The material needs a delicate balance between warmth and sadness, and a sci-fi premise that serves the characters rather than overwhelming them. The short runtime suggests a tight approach, though how well he manages the tone is for viewers to judge on release.

Michael Giacchino is the music director. A story centred on emotional bonds and hope gives a composer plenty of room to shape the mood. No songs or tracks have been detailed, so I can only say the score is likely to matter to the film's feeling and that I can't say more about specific pieces.

As a science fiction drama about an Artificial Friend, the film needs a convincing look for its central character and its near-future setting. The synopsis centres on emotion rather than large-scale action, so the visuals most likely serve the story instead of dominating it. No details about effects work are available yet, so this score is cautious.

The film should suit viewers who like emotional, character-driven drama with a science fiction element, and fans of its cast and director. There is no audience score, box office figure or certification yet, and only 6 external votes, so I can't say how it is being received. Families should check the certification before choosing it, given the themes of grief and a troubled child.