Klara and the Sun (M) – 116 minutes

Quirky and bittersweet comes this dystopian, AI, science fantasy about an obsolete, empathetic companion robot.

Her name is Klara (Jenna Ortega) and she is happy, smiling and enthusiastic.

She has a predilection to bend one knee while standing.

Klara is obsessed by the sun, convinced it is all powerful – God-like, if you will – and the provider of good health and fortune.

Klara seeks out its rays and literally talks to the sun regularly.

She takes her place alongside other outdated bots at The Friend Store, overseen by caring store manager (Natasha Lyonne), who gives the androids pep talks.

All hope to be chosen by humans to find new homes as artificial friends.

The store manager selects Klara, alongside two others, to be displayed in the shop window for three days.

The rules are that they are to remain stationary and not engage with prospective buyers unless the prospects engage with them first.

Advances in technology have seen newer models overtake the ones in The Friend Store.

In fact, a new, “you beaut” store, with the latest, shiny new models, has just opened across the street.

That, of course, makes it extra difficult for those still not rehoused from The Friend Store.

While in the window, Klara welcomes the sun beating down on her.

That is until that rich, golden energy is consumed by a toxic grey, in the form of a street cleaner billowing out pollutants. She regards it as nasty and evil.

With time in the shop front fast running out, suddenly Klara is engaged by a wave from a teenager named Josie (Mia Tharia).

Josie’s mother, Chrissie (Amy Adams), has taken her shopping for an android companion.

Even though Chrissie is far from inclined to purchase a discontinued model, Josie is sold on Klara.

So it is that with the aid of a 20 per cent discount and a money back guarantee, Klara is boxed and on her way to Josie’s house.

There she encounters a surly housekeeper, Melania (Rachel House), who is worried that Klara has been engaged to take her place.

Klara’s eyes need to recalibrate to see all that is before her. She is terribly awkward around stairs and Melania calls her an imbecile.

But Josie loves having Klara around to talk to and interact with.

Josie is super talented having been “lifted”, that is genetically enhanced to boost her intelligence and academic performance.

She is a brilliant pianist and artist.

Still, it is evident that not all is right in this house.

When she was very young, Josie lost her older sister, Sal, when she too was but a child.

And now something is wrong with Josie, although she quickly dismisses any attempts by Klara to find out what.

Josie’s mother, Chrissie, is standoffish and secretive.

Time and again, Klara turns to the sun, which she can see from the window, shining in the distance over the barn, for guidance … to send its healing powers Josie’s way.

Josie introduces Klara to her “boyfriend”, tech whiz Rick (Aran Murphy), and to the scarecrow (Jesse Griffin) in the wheat field that abuts the house.

Soon enough, things take a darker turn, as it becomes clear just how much trouble Josie is in and the measures Chrissie is taking.

Co-written with Dahvi Waller by director Taika Waititi, Klara and the Sun is based on a 2021 book by Japanese-English novelist, Nobel Prize winner Sir Kazuo Ishiguro.

The comedic elements in the first half of the movie give way to a deeper, darker, more disturbing tone thereafter.

The movie raises important societal and existential issues that, I dare say, will confront mankind as AI continues to evolve.

In fact, Klara and the Sun tackles a broad canvas – love, faith, grief and loss, artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, and the class divide.

I found it quite an emotional journey that tugged at the heartstrings.

Jenna Ortega is delightful as the effusive, eager to please and learn Klara. Her countenance lights up a room.  

Mia Tharia is insightful and pragmatic as Josie, while Amy Adams plays troubled well as desperate Chrissie.

I enjoyed Natasha Lyonne’s mother hen role as store manager, while Rachel House has fun with her part as the housekeeper with daggers for eyes.

Also of note in the cast is Steve Buscemi, who is conspiring with Chrissie.

Visually, Klara and the Sun is striking, while the film also has an appealing soundtrack.

While some may find it too syrupy, I didn’t. I willingly went along for the ride. I laughed and I shed a tear.

The movie doesn’t profess to be sophisticated, but it is deeply human.

Rated M, it scores a 7 out of 10.