Santa might not be here yet, but Klaus lands today on Netflix. “A true selfless act always sparks another…” these are the words uttered by a Klaus, a toymaker encountered by postal carrier Jesper on Smeerensburg, a frozen island above the Arctic Circle. As the story behind this unfolding friendship is relayed, the audience is enveloped in a heartwarming take on the legend of Santa Claus. (Watch the Netflix Klaus trailer and a clip below.)
The Story of Klaus
The film opens on an unenthusiastic postal carrier, Jesper, whose poor performance sees him stationed in Smeerensburg. Jesper can only leave the island once he’s delivered 6,000 letters in a year. Sadly, the town’s locals are hostile — not exchanging spoken words nor written letters.
Jesper’s (Jason Schwartzman at his finest) hopes are dimmed until he meets teacher Alva (compelling voiced by Rashida Jones) and mysterious carpenter Klaus (none other than the perfectly cast voice of JK Simmons). The trio’s unexpected friendship brings laughter back to Smeerensburg, and inspires new holiday traditions: generous and giving neighbors, magical lore and stockings on the chimney.
Holiday Traditions a la Jesper
The animated film gives fanciful explanations for how many Christmas traditions were started — yep, Jesper is behind a lot of them. A prime example: a lump of coal left in a bully’s stockings is responsible for the nice and naughty list.
As for letters to Santa’s resulting in gifts? Watch this clip to see what’s behind that.
“In this film, many of the things that we consider the ‘magical Santa Claus’ are actually practical in how they happened,” Schwartzman said in a press release. “From these practical things, the stories unfold, get passed down and become more and more magical.”
And aren’t the holidays all about magic?
Here’s another peek at Klaus to kick off your weekend. Tune into Netflix and see the entire film!
