Taika Waititi's 'Klara and the Sun' Faces Severe Critical Backlash

Key points

• The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey describes the film as a 'schmaltzy misfire' that fails to capture the quiet wonder of Ishiguro's original novel.
• The adaptation stars Jenna Ortega as an android companion and Amy Adams as a mother, with Florence Pugh also in the cast.
• The film holds a Metacritic score of 23 and has received multiple one-star ratings from critics.
• The world premiere took place at the 70th BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2026, followed by a theatrical release on October 23, 2026.
• Critics widely criticize the film for its tonal mismatch, excessive sentimentality, and failure to reflect the subtlety of the source material.

Background

The film is an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 novel, which explores themes of artificial intelligence and human connection. The cast, including Jenna Ortega and Taika Waititi, previously urged audiences to disconnect from technology at the premiere, emphasizing the film's message of presence. However, this message has not translated into positive critical reception, with the film facing a challenging release amid a wave of negative reviews.

Why it matters

The severe critical reception of 'Klara and the Sun' raises concerns about Taika Waititi's recent trajectory in Hollywood, as the film's failure to capture the subtlety of its source material highlights the risks of adapting literary works with a tonal mismatch. The low Metacritic score and negative reviews may impact the film's commercial performance and Waititi's future projects.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 23, 2026, via Sony Pictures. The critical backlash may influence audience turnout and the film's box office performance, as well as Waititi's reputation in the industry.