Some films take you by surprise, and Klara and the Sun was one of them.

I had the pleasure of attending the premiere at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, and Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel was not quite what I expected. Blending humour, emotion, suspense and hope, it turned out to be a truly beautiful film to watch.

Starring Jenna Ortega as Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to help combat loneliness, the story follows her journey after she meets Josie (Mia Tharia), a teenager whose complicated family life brings plenty of emotional challenges. Through Klara’s innocent outlook on the world, the film explores human connection, love, loss and what it really means to be human.

Amy Adams brings a compelling presence to the role of Josie’s mother, Chrissie, whose difficult relationship with her daughter adds another layer to the story. There are also lighter moments throughout, with the supporting characters bringing some welcome humour to balance the heavier themes. Aran Murphy, son of Cillian Murphy, plays Rick, Josie’s close friend, adding another important connection to her world.

Before the screening, director Taika Waititi and author Kazuo Ishiguro joined the cast to introduce the film. The cast shared fond memories of working together on a small farm in New Zealand and thanked the pair for bringing them into the project. It was a lovely insight into the experience behind the film.

Being able to see Klara and the Sun at the BFI London Film Festival made the experience even more special. The festival is an important moment in the film calendar, bringing audiences, filmmakers and industry talent together to celebrate cinema, discover new stories and experience films on the big screen before their wider release. With its international premieres and opportunities to hear directly from the people behind the films, it’s a brilliant reminder of the magic of cinema.

What stayed with me most was the film’s balance of humour and heartbreak, with a hopeful warmth running throughout. Klara and the Sun is a gentle reminder of how much connection matters, and how even the smallest moments can make a difference.

Klara and the Sun arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on 23 October 2026.