Taika Waititi has taken a strong stance against critics following the lukewarm reception of his latest film, *Klara and the Sun*, which features acclaimed actors Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. The director, renowned for his distinct cinematic style, described reviewers as “irrelevant, out of touch,” and even “obsolete” in a pointed social media post shared on Halloween.
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Waititi, now 51, admitted in an Instagram post that he has consciously avoided reviews of his works for nearly 15 years, expressing that he prefers to listen directly to audiences rather than to critics. This commentary comes in light of *Klara and the Sun*’s dismal performance at the box office since its release on 23 October. The film only managed to earn $701,000 during its opening weekend, landing a disappointing 16th place and averaging less than $800 per theatre, according to Box Office Mojo.
Despite a substantial budget of around $44 million for production, *Klara and the Sun* encountered further woes in its second weekend, experiencing an alarming 79% drop in earnings, generating just $145,000. Such figures have raised concerns about its viability in theatres, with many questioning the film’s narrative and execution.
*Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel of the same name*, the film tells the story of Klara, a solar-powered Artificial Friend, whose purpose is to provide companionship to those experiencing loneliness. Ortega portrays Klara, who, after being purchased by a woman played by Adams, embarks on a journey of loyalty and emotional complexity within a family grappling with grief and illness.
As Klara integrates into her new home, she becomes devoted to helping Josie, the teenage daughter suffering from a mysterious ailment. Klara’s quest to save her new friend becomes intertwined with themes of love, loss, and the hope that the sun—the source of her energy—may ultimately hold the key to healing.
The film’s cast also features prominent names like Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne, but despite their star power, it has not received the acclaim expected. Critically, *Klara and the Sun* has garnered a mere 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasting sharply with a more favourable audience score of 74%. This disparity highlights a significant difference in perceptions between general viewers and critics.
Reviews have been scathing, with many prominent critics expressing their discontent. Peter Bradshaw of *The Guardian* awarded the film just one star, labelling it as “unbearably mannered” and criticising its emotional depth and narrative coherence. Similarly, Wendy Ide from *The Observer* described it as “a thin and cloying thing” that undermines the profundity of the source material.
Other critics echoed these sentiments, with Tim Grierson from the *Los Angeles Times* lamenting Waititi’s approach, suggesting it was “stultifying” and rife with an overwhelming sentimentality that did little to enhance the storytelling.
In response to the negative feedback, Waititi appeared unapologetic, indicating that he values audience opinion over critics’ assessments. In his post, he noted that the same critics who disapproved of *Klara and the Sun* had previously disliked his acclaimed film *Jojo Rabbit*, suggesting a disconnect between their views and those of the public. He dismissed their criticisms emphatically, labelling them as “in the bin.”
*Jojo Rabbit*, which earned six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and won Best Adapted Screenplay, serves as a testament to Waititi’s ability to transcend critical boundaries and connect with audiences, a reality he seems keen to replicate with *Klara and the Sun*.
Currently, *Klara and the Sun* is in theatres, and while its future remains uncertain, Waititi’s commitment to creating films that resonate with audiences continues to guide his artistic vision. As the conversation surrounding the film develops, it will be intriguing to see if public perceptions align more closely with his viewpoints or those of the critics.