# Release of Klara and the Sun film > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261022-release-of-klara-and-the-sun-film > Updated: 2026-10-22T20:12:40.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2. The dystopian science fiction film ‘Klara and the Sun’, directed by Taika Waititi and based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, has arrived in theaters. The story follows Klara, an optimistic, solar-powered Artificial Friend played by Jenna Ortega, who forms a bond with a chronically ill teenager named Josie, played by Mia Tharia. The narrative is set in a future where genetic engineering has created social divides through a process known as ‘lifting’. The film explores themes of loneliness, identity, artificial intelligence, grief, and faith. While some critics have praised the exploration of the humanization of AI and Ortega’s expressive performance, others have suggested the adaptation shifts the novel’s philosophical inquiries into a ‘more sentimental, superficial fable’ or criticized it for being clunky. There remains mixed feedback regarding the integration of Waititi’s signature humor with the story’s serious emotional undertones. In addition to Amy Adams as Josie’s mother, Chrissie, the ensemble cast includes Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Klara and the Sun film adaptation directed by Taika Waititi released Directed by Taika Waititi, “Klara and the Sun” is a dystopian sci-fi film starring Jenna Ortega as an AI companion in a future shaped by genetic engineering. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jenna-ortega-stars-in-klara-and-the-sun ### 2026-10-20: Taika Waititi film Klara and the Sun based on Kazuo Ishiguro novel Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘Klara and the Sun’, starring Jenna Ortega, explores AI companionship in a post-war dystopian future. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taika-waititi-film-klara-and-the-sun-set-for-release --- Cite as: Release of Klara and the Sun film. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261022-release-of-klara-and-the-sun-film