Klara and The Sun (12A)

Taika Waititi returns to the more whimsical stylings of films like JoJo Rabbit and Hunt for the Wilderpeople in this warm, charming sci-fi adventure.

Based on the novel by acclaimed author Kazuo Ishiguro (Never Let Me Go), Klara (Jenna Ortega) is an AF – an Artificial Friend – androids bought by parents to provide companionship for their teenage children and prevent loneliness.

When Klara meets the young Josie (Mia Tharia) each immediately senses a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught relationship with her mother (Amy Adams) 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 addresses the “Glorious Sun” and uses it to recharge. Josie’s mother threatens Klara saying she’s still “under warranty” and that they can always send her back to the store. When something happens to Josie, her mother and nurse shut the door on Klara.

There’s plenty of fish-out-of-water shenanigans as Ortega’s robot is a blank slate, learning about the world for the first time. However, the film also tackles some heavy themes, so maybe have the tissues ready.