Taika Waititi brings his signature blend of heart and humor to Klara and the Sun, the adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 sci-fi dystopian novel. Sony Pictures has released the first trailer, revealing an emotional glimpse into the story of an artificial friend navigating family secrets and human bonds. The preview quickly establishes the film’s mix of wonder, tension, and quiet drama.
Jenna Ortega stars as the titular "Artificial Friend" Klara, purchased by a family guarding painful hidden truths. Amy Adams plays the wary matriarch, shown in the two-and-a-half-minute trailer sipping wine while shooting suspicious glances at Klara. These early scenes hint at the fragile dynamics Klara must navigate as she tries to heal her new household.
The trailer showcases Klara’s earnest loyalty clashing with the family’s underlying grief and secrets. Striking visuals capture both tender moments and subtle unease in the dystopian setting. Waititi’s direction appears poised to elevate Ishiguro’s themes of connection and humanity.
Watch the trailer below:
Who are the cast of Klara and the Sun?
Besides Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, Klara and the Sun’s cast includes Mia Tharia as Josie. Natasha Lyonne portrays the manager of the store where Klara is born. Aran Murphy appears as Josie’s best friend Rick, while Steve Buscemi takes on a yet-to-be identified role.
These performers bring substantial talent to their respective parts. Jenna Ortega’s lead performance anchors the story with sensitivity and presence. The ensemble elevates the exploration of loyalty and family bonds.
What is Klara and the Sun about?
Here is Sony's official synopsis of Klara and the Sun film:
Based on the bestselling novel from Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro and written and directed by Taika Waititi, Klara and the Sun introduces audiences to Klara, an Artificial Friend who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home. When Klara meets Josie each immediately senses a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught relationship with her mother 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 delves into profound questions about humanity, connection, and the nature of companionship in a technologically advanced society. Klara’s perspective offers fresh insights as she learns to support Josie and her mother. The story balances hope with the complexities of grief and trust.
Waititi’s adaptation maintains the novel’s thoughtful tone while adding cinematic flair visible in the trailer. Striking visuals complement the intimate character journeys. Early footage suggests a film that will linger with audiences long after viewing.
The production emphasizes authentic emotional performances alongside world-building details. Klara’s artificial origins create compelling contrasts with human flaws and strengths. This approach ensures the sci-fi elements serve the heart of the tale.
Adapting bestselling novels for the screen has proven successful for Waititi in the past. Seven years ago, his film version of Jojo Rabbit earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won him the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Klara and the Sun arrives in theaters on October 23, 2026.
