Jenna Ortega's latest big-screen venture, Klara and the Sun, has officially landed with a thud. The sci-fi drama, directed by Taika Waititi and based on Kazuo Ishiguro's acclaimed novel, currently sits at a dismal 25% on Rotten Tomatoes—making it the lowest-rated film of Waititi's career and the second-worst of Ortega's. With its theatrical release set for October 23, the early reviews suggest this adaptation may be a rare misstep for both the director and his star.
Ortega has become a household name thanks to her scene-stealing turn as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's Wednesday, a role that has defined her career and endeared her to millions. The show's third season recently wrapped production, and fans are already buzzing about Eva Green joining the cast as Morticia's long-lost sister, Ophelia. But while Ortega's small-screen star continues to rise, her filmography has been far less consistent. Aside from a bright spot with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, recent efforts like Death of a Unicorn, Miller's Girl, and Hurry Up Tomorrow have all been critically panned. Ortega's dark thriller finds new life on streaming, proving her appeal remains strong with audiences even when critics are unimpressed.
Hopes were high that Klara and the Sun might break this pattern. The film boasts a formidable cast alongside Ortega, including Amy Adams, Steve Buscemi, Natasha Lyonne, Mia Tharia, and Aran Murphy. Ishiguro's source novel was longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize, and Waititi's involvement suggested a unique, offbeat vision. Yet, according to early reviews, the adaptation fails to capture the book's emotional resonance. Critics have described it as "suffering from a lack of depth" and "missing the heart that it desperately needs to come to life." Another reviewer criticized the film for stripping away "everything insightful and affecting" from the novel. A few voices did single out Ortega for a "delightful performance," but that praise has been insufficient to lift the overall reception.
Waititi, known for his irreverent style in films like Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, has faced his share of challenges lately. His planned Star Wars project was recently shelved, and now Klara and the Sun marks a new low on the review aggregator. Taika Waititi's Star Wars movie put on ice left fans wondering about his next move, and this critical drubbing won't help matters. Still, Waititi has a knack for bouncing back, and his unique voice remains in demand.
For Ortega, the question now is whether Klara and the Sun will find an audience despite the negative reviews. Her fanbase is fiercely loyal, and the film's intriguing premise—centered on an artificial friend observing human behavior—could draw curious viewers. But with a 25% score, it's an uphill battle. The movie's performance could impact how studios view Ortega as a leading lady in film, though her television success and upcoming projects likely insulate her from long-term damage.
As the October 23 release date approaches, all eyes will be on whether Klara and the Sun can defy the critics or if it will be remembered as another misfire in an otherwise promising career. For now, it seems Ortega's winning streak remains confined to the small screen—and Waititi may need a win to silence the naysayers. Whether audiences agree with the critics will be the final verdict.
