Taika Waititi reacts to scathing reviews of Klara and the Sun
In the sometimes brutal world of film criticism, some artists find themselves positioned at the epicenter of a delightful and frustrating storm. Director Taika Waititi, known for injecting his unique brand of chaotic warmth into cinematic storytelling, recently took a decidedly sharp turn, addressing the critics who have weighed in on his latest work, Klara and the Sun.
Waititi didn’t mince words when speaking about the review landscape. He famously dismissed those who engage in harsh critique, labelling them sad lost souls, suggesting a profound disconnect between the art being judged and the people doing the judging.
In a candid interview, he confessed that he rarely consults formal reviews. Instead of chasing press accolades, he prefers to listen directly to the audience, making it clear that his focus remains on the public reception rather than the press narrative.
“I haven’t read a review of anything aimed at me or my peers in almost 15 years,” Waititi shared. “But I do listen to the people.”
The sentiment extended to a broader critique of the critical establishment. Waititi pointed out that the critics who are now lambasting Klara and the Sun are, in his view, the very same voices that once scrutinized his Oscar-winning film, Jojo Rabbit.
He delivered a stark assessment, declaring that these same critics are irrelevant. Out of touch. Obsolete. In the bin.
The contrast highlights the enduring tension in creative dialogue. While Klara and the Sun, released in October 2026, explores the delicate, slow-burn existence of Klara, an Artificial Friend helping a girl named Josie access the healing powers of the sun, Waititi insisted on retaining the novel’s beautiful, submerged mood.
Despite the film’s understated emotional depth, Waititi admitted that he sought to infuse his characteristic, humorous tone into the narrative. He aimed to bring his signature style to the story without sacrificing the intrinsic beauty and slow unfolding of the source material.
Ultimately, Waititi’s outburst serves as a reminder that the relationship between an artist and their audience is far more vital than the fleeting opinions of the critics. For him, the real measure of a film’s impact lies not in the score, but in the connection it makes with the people who watch it.
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