Watch Klaus

Klaus is a heart-warming animated holiday film that delivers an original twist on the Santa Claus origin story. This delightful family film is written and directed by Sergio Pablos, the man behind the creation of Despicable Me. It stars the voices of Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, and Rashida Jones. Klaus was released in 2019 by Netflix and quickly became a fan favorite. The movie begins with Jesper, a young postman in a wealthy family who is sent to a remote island in the frozen north to find new customers. The local villagers are hostile and refuse to send any letters or packages. In desperation, Jesper meets Klaus, a mysterious, reclusive woodsman, who has a toy-making talent. Jesper's discovery of the power of kindness provides the trigger that starts the holiday magic. The story takes place in a fictional town called Smeerensburg, and the movie's animation captures the northern landscapes impressively. Smeerensburg is a frigid, rugged, isolated, and desolate place. The town has a population divided into two families, the Ellingboes and the Krums, who have been feuding for generations, making the town a bleak and depressing place. When Jesper befriends Klaus, he discovers a cottage full of toys made by Klaus. Jesper realizes that he can create a business opportunity. He encourages the children to write letters to Klaus and promises them that, in exchange, they will receive a toy. The letters inspire Klaus, and he, with Jesper's help, starts to deliver gifts to the kids. However, this leads to a life-threatening confrontation with the local antagonistic heads of the two warring families. Klaus carries a valuable message that will warm your heart: kindness can change people's lives. The script is clever; the humor is solid, and the characters are developed with care. The film's imagery is full of delightful details and cinematic references to old movies. The music score by Alfonso G. Aguilar and the orchestral arrangements by the duo, The Kringle's, adds charm to the story, capturing the magic of Christmas. The film's main characters are Jesper, voiced by Jason Schwartzman, Klaus, voiced by J.K. Simmons, and Alva, the school teacher, voiced by Rashida Jones. Jason Schwartzman delivers an excellent performance as Jesper, the selfish postman who becomes the heart of the story. Jesper's character transforms throughout the movie, from an obnoxious and self-centered young man to a dedicated and caring postal worker. J.K. Simmons gives Klaus a depth and complexity that makes the character truly unforgettable. Klaus is an excellent portrayal of an old man who enjoys living alone but is still tormented by the loss of his family. His character is well developed, with wrinkles, scars, and an accidental beard, all of which bring out the human side of the story's hero. Rashida Jones' character, Alva, the schoolteacher, is another charming character in the film. She's sharp, warm-hearted, and, initially, not impressed with Jesper or his mission. Alva is one of the townspeople who initially, rejected the idea of helping Jesper. Still, she eventually comes around and learns to appreciate the value and beauty of kindness. In conclusion, Klaus is a well-written and well-executed holiday movie that doesn't feel like a typical Christmas movie. This beautifully animated feature film manages to deliver a moving story with a warm message. It's a movie that's perfect for the whole family to gather around to watch together. So, if you haven't seen Klaus, it's definitely worth checking out next holiday season.