Taika Waititi remains one of Hollywood’s most recognizable directors. However, his latest film, Klara and the Sun, is receiving some decidedly unfavorable reviews.
Following its October 15 premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, the adaptation holds a score of 27 on Metacritic, indicating “Generally Unfavorable” reviews. Its early Rotten Tomatoes score stands at just 27% from 11 critics.
For the New Zealand filmmaker who rose from independent comedies to Oscar recognition and Marvel blockbusters, it marks another bruising reception.
A Celebrated Novel and a Promising Cast
Deadline reported in May 2023 that Waititi was in talks with Sony to direct an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling science fiction novel. The story takes place in a future where parents can purchase artificial companions for lonely children.
By February 2024, Jenna Ortega was attached to the project, with Amy Adams in negotiations to join her. The cast would also include Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne.
Mia Tharia, Jenna Ortega, and Amy Adams in Klara and the Sun – Sony Pictures Entertainment, YouTube
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With an Oscar-winning director, celebrated source material, and a cast combining rising talent with established stars, the project appeared well positioned for critical acclaim.
Instead, its debut has prompted questions about whether Waititi’s signature approach was suited to Ishiguro’s story.
Critics Take Aim at Waititi’s Humor
Waititi earned praise early in his career for blending offbeat humor with heartfelt storytelling. Several critics argue that the same approach undermines Klara and the Sun.
In its review, Screen Rant contrasts the novel’s “carefully constructed dystopian” storytelling with an adaptation it describes as “a ham-fisted sci-fi comedy with a hollow message.”
The Guardian likewise criticized the film’s strained humor, while The Telegraph called it “excruciatingly misjudged” and suggested it “might be the most infantile film of the year.”
Reviews are in from the London Film Festival premiere of Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun [23] starring Jenna Ortega, coming to theaters October 23.
https://t.co/vHXSHYoLri https://t.co/BlzfyJ6DZY— metacritic (@metacritic) October 15, 2026
Tim Robey, reviewing the film for The Telegraph, writes, “Ishiguro’s thoughts on the ever-evolving relationship between technology and humanity are tossed away like so much thematic confetti. It’s hard to fathom what Waititi thought he was doing in playing things for laughs.”
Even some favorable assessments come with substantial reservations.
Jenna Ortega in Klara and the Sun – Sony Pictures Entertainment, YouTube
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Amelia Harvey, writing for Nerdspin, praised Ortega while questioning the adaptation’s substance.
“Klara and the Sun is entirely watchable, thanks to a delightful central performance from Jenna Ortega, but it’s a hollow shadow of what it could be.”
Flickering Myth awarded the film three stars out of five, calling it “a lovely little fable.” Its praise for Ortega’s performance nevertheless came with a qualified recommendation, saying she “makes it just about worthy of your time.”
Ortega may be emerging as a bright spot, but those compliments offer limited reassurance about the film surrounding her.
Another Setback for Waititi
The early reception adds to a disappointing stretch for a filmmaker whose independent work once earned considerable critical enthusiasm.
What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople hold Metacritic scores of 76 and 81, respectively. His more recent films have received a less enthusiastic response.
Despite earning Waititi an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, 2019’s Jojo Rabbit holds a 58. His previous directorial feature, Next Goal Wins, landed at 44.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: Taika Waititi attends the Thor: Love and Thunder World Premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in [Hollywood], California on June 23, 2022. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Audience reactions can differ sharply from critics’ assessments. However, it remains too early to know whether Klara and the Sun will find a more receptive audience.
Waititi’s Marvel work also demonstrates that his humor does not always connect with viewers. His increasingly comedic treatment of Thor became a major point of contention, and Chris Hemsworth himself acknowledged that Thor: Love and Thunder took the silliness too far.
Meanwhile, the Russo brothers have assured fans that Avengers: Doomsday will present a less comedic version of the character.
That history makes it difficult to dismiss the latest backlash as another example of critics being disconnected from audiences. Viewers will deliver their own verdict, but the early reviews identify a familiar concern: Waititi’s reliance on humor may be overwhelming the material he is adapting.
Are you surprised by the critics’ reaction to Klara and the Sun? Sound off and let us know!
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