Forget Modern Sci-Fi, ‘Klara and the Sun’s Jenna Ortega and Taika Waititi Find Soul in Classic Cinema
Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s *Klara and the Sun* combines comedy with themes of grief, love and whether technology can imitate people. Jenna Ortega and Waititi say the film’s humour helps make its emotional moments more affecting, while Klara’s attempts to understand human behaviour drive both its comedy and its story.
Set in a future divided by genetic enhancement, the film follows Klara, a solar-powered Artificial Friend bought to support Josie, a child who is unwell after being genetically “lifted”. Ortega drew on silent-film comedian Buster Keaton to shape Klara’s physical performance, including her awkward movements and falls. Waititi says the filmmakers tried different levels of silliness in performances and editing to balance the jokes with the drama.
In short
- *Klara and the Sun* blends comedy with grief and questions about humanity.
- Jenna Ortega used Buster Keaton as a reference for Klara’s physical comedy.
- Taika Waititi says balancing humour and drama required experimentation.