12 Days of Cinematic Christmas #2: Klaus (2019)

Directed by Sergio Pablos

Since its release and my first viewing, Klaus has over time become a holiday classic in our household. The film is a rare gem in the era of modern animation, where it has sidelined all references to the modern world to tell a beautiful story of love and faith. Klaus demonstrates exceptional competence in its delivery, with breathtaking animation and exceptional performances (including my personal favorite from the late Norm Macdonald). 

What ultimately separates this from everything else being churned out in children’s entertainment is the love and spirituality present throughout the film. Klaus chooses to focus on a belief in man’s inherent goodness; that all people are called to love and be a part of a selfless and higher calling for others. Having the courage to follow this calling is what can inspire goodness in a world of senseless hate and rage. The film feels almost like a depiction of the Exodus story that has been told so many times across so many different mediums, with God vocally guiding those to a higher calling. 

Klaus excels with landing its world-building and emotional beats with ease: every character feels full of life and even the most minute character has some form of development. The emotional beats land with grace and a slight unpredictability that adds a wonderful garnish to this film, preventing it from falling into the stereotypical “Christmas flick” that is typically seen by Hallmark. 

Klaus continues to warm my family’s heart every Christmas season, and offers a deeply artistic and spiritual experience upon each viewing. It is absolutely a must watch for any Catholic family each Christmas season, and is a fantastic tradition of a film to have around this time of the year.