Klaus Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lazy postman gets sent to the Arctic and accidentally invents Santa Claus to get out of trouble with his dad; it’s basically a Christmas-themed corporate scheme gone wholesome.

🍿 Klaus: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Jesper’s Unwanted Assignment

Jesper, the pampered and underachieving son of the Postmaster General, is sent to the dreary, remote island of Smeerensburg as punishment for his poor performance at the postal academy. His mission is simple: deliver 6,000 letters within a year, or be cut off from his family’s wealth. He is greeted by the bleak, warring factions of the Krum and Ellingboe families.

Discovering Klaus and a Shared Purpose

Initially despairing, Jesper stumbles upon Klaus, a reclusive toymaker living in the woods. An accidental delivery of a toy to a child sparks an idea: children can write letters to Klaus requesting toys. This creates a surge in postal activity, driven by the children’s desires and the promise of receiving a handmade toy from Klaus.

The Transformation of Smeerensburg

As word spreads and more children write letters, acts of kindness and goodwill begin to ripple through Smeerensburg. The warring families slowly start to set aside their differences, and the once-desolate town starts to experience a sense of community and joy. Alva, the former teacher, is inspired to reopen her school, further contributing to the positive change.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jesper (Jason Schwartzman): A lazy and underachieving postman who is sent to Smeerensburg and inadvertently starts the legend of Santa Claus.
• Klaus (J.K. Simmons): A reclusive toymaker who partners with Jesper to bring joy to the children of Smeerensburg, becoming the inspiration for Santa Claus.
• Alva (Rashida Jones): A former teacher turned fishmonger in Smeerensburg who rediscovers her purpose by helping Jesper and Klaus.
• Mr. Ellingboe (Will Sasso): The head of the Ellingboe family who tries to maintain the town’s long-standing feud.
• Mrs. Krum (Joan Cusack): The head of the Krum family who is equally determined to keep the feud with the Ellingboes alive.
• Márgu (Neda Margrethe Labba): A young Sámi girl who becomes part of Jesper and Klaus’s mission by teaching and helping them deliver toys.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Klaus: “A true selfless act always sparks another.” – Klaus says this after he and Jesper deliver the first toy, setting off a chain of good deeds.
• Alva: “You’re right, Jesper. Some people are impossible to change.” – Alva says this to Jesper when she loses hope in changing the town’s feud, highlighting her initial cynicism.
• Jesper: “Maybe it’s time for a new tradition.” – Jesper says this when realizing the potential to transform Smeerensburg’s culture of animosity.
• Klaus: “I can’t explain it. When I’m helping children, I forget about the bad stuff.” – Klaus reveals that he’s using his toys as a coping mechanism to fight against the memory of his dead wife and his empty house.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Klaus Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by Klaus! The animation style is so unique and gorgeous, unlike anything I’ve seen in years. The story is surprisingly touching; I actually teared up during Klaus’s backstory. Seeing the transformation of Smeerensburg from a town filled with feuding families to a place of joy and kindness was truly heartwarming. I’ve already added it to my list of must-watch Christmas movies every year.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming holiday movie”
  • “Fans of traditional animation”
  • “Viewers who appreciate origin stories”
  • “People who enjoy movies about kindness and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes depict mild peril and conflict”
  • “Brief depictions of sadness and loss”
  • “The movie contains some mature themes.”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Klaus is a visually stunning and heartwarming origin story that reimagines Santa Claus in a unique and delightful way. The hand-drawn animation is a breath of fresh air, and the story is surprisingly poignant, making it a must-watch for the holidays.
• Variety: “Sergio Pablos delivers a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant film with Klaus. The film manages to be both funny and deeply moving, exploring themes of kindness, generosity, and the power of human connection. The voice acting is superb, and the visuals are captivating.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Klaus is a charming and inventive take on the Santa Claus mythos. While the story occasionally treads familiar ground, the stunning animation and heartfelt performances make it a worthwhile holiday treat. The film is a visual feast that will delight audiences of all ages.

Audience Reactions

The animation style felt so refreshing and unique.: Viewers loved the hand-drawn animation and unique visual style that set it apart from other animated films.

The story was surprisingly emotional and heartwarming.: Many viewers were touched by the film’s exploration of kindness, generosity, and the importance of human connection.

Overall Consensus: Klaus is a critically acclaimed and audience-approved animated film that offers a fresh and heartwarming take on the Santa Claus origin story. Its stunning animation, emotional depth, and memorable characters make it a new holiday classic.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Animated Film)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s unique visual style combines traditional hand-drawn animation with 3D computer graphics, using a technique called ‘volumetric lighting’ to create depth and texture.”
• “Sergio Pablos, the director, had been developing the project for almost a decade before it was released on Netflix.”
• “Smeerensburg, the fictional town, is based on Smeerenburg, a real whaling settlement that existed in Norway during the 17th century.”

🖥️ How to Watch Klaus?

Klaus is currently available for streaming on Netflix. As a Netflix original, it is exclusively available on this platform. Unfortunately, it’s not available for rent or purchase on other major platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV. Keep checking Netflix for continued streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Klaus, you might like these similar films:

• Arthur Christmas (2011): Shares the theme of exploring Santa Claus’ world with a heartwarming story and a focus on the spirit of Christmas.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Combines stop-motion animation with a Christmas theme and a dark fantasy element.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): A heart-warming movie about changing your ways and finding a family for the holidays.
• The Santa Clause (1994): Features a reluctant protagonist taking on the role of Santa Claus and discovering the magic of Christmas.

🛒 Klaus Related Products

• The Art of Klaus: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Klaus, featuring concept art, character designs, storyboards, and interviews with the creative team. A perfect collector’s item for animation enthusiasts.
• Klaus-Inspired Christmas Ornament Set: A set of handcrafted Christmas ornaments inspired by the characters and scenes from Klaus. Each ornament is uniquely designed and meticulously crafted, making it a perfect addition to any holiday collection.
• Klaus Movie Poster: Showcase your love for this heartwarming film with a high-quality print of the official Klaus movie poster. Perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to any room.
• Klaus ‘Kindness’ T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish T-shirt featuring iconic imagery and quotes from the movie Klaus. Show the world your support of friendship and kindness this holiday season.

🎧 Soundtrack

Klaus features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Invisible” – performed by Zara Larsson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Netflix’s ‘Klaus’ Made 2D Animation Look 3D | Movies Insider

Ever wondered how they made the 2D animation in ‘Klaus’ look so realistic? This behind-the-scenes video from Movies Insider reveals the secrets behind this innovative technique, giving you a whole new appreciation for the film’s stunning visuals.

KLAUS | Deleted Sequences: The Other Jesper

Curious about what ‘Klaus’ might have looked like with a different Jesper? This video presents deleted scenes featuring an alternate version of the character, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s creative process.

✨ Rate