Jenna Ortega has taken on a role that diverges significantly from her previous performances in the upcoming film *Klara and the Sun*. The 24-year-old actress portrays Klara, a solar-powered artificial intelligence companion in a story that examines themes of companionship, family dynamics, and the essence of empathy. In a recent interview with *PEOPLE*, she shared insights into how she approached this unique character, inspired by her young family members.
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In the film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Taika Waititi, Klara is designed to mitigate human loneliness. However, Ortega’s portrayal brings a distinctive charm to the character, marked by quirky physicalities that reflect a naiveté akin to that of a child. “Taika, very early on in the process, likened Klara to a baby or a toddler,” Ortega explained. This analogy contributed to the character’s clumsiness, which Ortega found reminiscent of her own nieces and nephews.
The actress expressed her desire to step outside her comfort zone with this role, stating, “I wanted to do something different because this is a very different character from anything I had played before.” Her dedication to creating a believable AI character led her to gather various inspirations from the people in her life, ultimately resulting in an authentic performance that resonates with audiences.
The narrative of *Klara and the Sun* unfolds as Klara, initially overlooked at The Friend Store due to her outdated model, finds herself chosen by Josie, a teenager suffering from an undisclosed illness. Josie’s mother, played by Amy Adams, purchases Klara with the hope that she will provide companionship and support to her daughter. This selection places Klara amidst a family grappling with themes of grief and the complexities of interpersonal connections.
Ortega’s creative process included integrating specific mannerisms from her friends and family to enrich Klara’s character. For instance, she recalled a friend’s idiosyncratic way of walking with her pinkies raised, saying, “I had always wanted to do something like that so I just reversed it. I did index fingers up.” By adding these nuances, Ortega successfully crafted a uniquely refreshing persona for Klara, showcasing the character’s innocent optimism and emotional depth.
This film marks an exciting collaboration between Ortega and Waititi, who describes the actress as a “brilliant clown.” He emphasised that her natural talent brought a special quality to the film, enhancing its emotional resonance. “People can try and do what she was doing in this film and overcook it and it just gets away on them and it becomes really stupid,” Waititi remarked. “But this was grounded and stayed emotional, and I think that’s what endears you to the character.”
In addition to Ortega’s performance, *Klara and the Sun* features a talented ensemble cast, including Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Natasha Lyonne, and Steve Buscemi. Together, they weave a narrative that prompts viewers to contemplate the nature of companionship in a technologically advanced society.
As the film is set to hit cinemas on 23rd October, audiences can look forward to experiencing this poignant story that blends a touch of science fiction with relatable human experiences. Ortega’s commitment to her role and Waititi’s direction promise a rich cinematic experience that delves into the heart of what it means to connect with one another, regardless of the barriers that often arise in contemporary relationships.
This portrayal marks a significant moment in Ortega’s career as she steps into the spotlight, redefining her acting repertoire with a character that is both distinctive and profoundly human. As the anticipation builds for the film’s release, it is clear that *Klara and the Sun* is poised to offer more than just entertainment; it aims to stir thoughtful reflection on loneliness, companionship, and the complexities of human emotions in an increasingly automated world.