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| Review – Wuthering Heights (2026) |
Cast: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, Ewan Mitchell, Amy Morgan, Jessica Knappett, Charlotte Mellington, Owen Cooper, Vy Nguyen
Music by: Anthony Willis
Songs: Charli XCX
Cinematography: Linus Sandgren
Producers: Emerald Fennell, Josey McNamara, Margot Robbie
Written & Directed by: Emerald Fennell
Running Time: 136 minutes
The rapid rise of filmmaker Emerald Fennell continues to spark debate. Her style leans more toward provocation and spectacle than emotional depth, often resembling an extended music video rather than traditional cinematic storytelling. Still, she returns with a bold and controversial reinterpretation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
Instead of opening with romance, the film begins with a shocking public hanging, immediately setting a grim and confrontational tone. Catherine “Cathy” Earnshaw, played by Margot Robbie, is trapped by the rigid social expectations of her time, pressured to marry wealth rather than follow her heart. Heathcliff, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, is a man scarred by trauma, driven by both loyalty and fury.
Their relationship unfolds from childhood innocence to adulthood obsession. What begins as protection and companionship evolves into an intense, destructive passion. Heathcliff’s physical and emotional scars become symbols of their inseparable bond, yet Cathy’s growing ambition ultimately leads her toward a socially advantageous marriage, creating the central conflict of the story.
Fennell describes her adaptation as deeply personal — more a reflection of how she experienced the novel than a faithful retelling. This approach results in a film that feels sensual, gothic, erotic, and sometimes deliberately uncomfortable. Rather than a restrained period drama, it resembles the exaggerated, stylized energy of a high-concept music video.
Shot on 35mm and VistaVision, the movie offers striking visuals filled with vibrant colors, detailed close-ups, and lavish costume design. The aesthetic is immersive, though occasionally overwhelming. Desire and violence dominate nearly every frame, creating an atmosphere where no character escapes emotional chaos.
Robbie and Elordi commit fully to the intense physicality and toxic chemistry of their characters. Their performances effectively convey the magnetism and danger of their connection. However, the relationship is portrayed as deeply destructive, often prioritizing shock value over meaningful character development.
This version of Wuthering Heights may appeal to fans who admire Fennell’s provocative style, but it will likely frustrate purists seeking a faithful literary adaptation. There are flashes of brilliance in its ambition, yet the film struggles to achieve lasting emotional weight. Intensity replaces depth, and spectacle overshadows substance.
At times, the movie feels closer to a modern erotic drama dressed in period costumes than a thoughtful exploration of class, love, and revenge. While visually daring, it rarely digs deep enough into the psychological complexity that made the original story timeless.
The soundtrack, combining Charli XCX’s songs with Anthony Willis’s score, adds an interesting modern touch, though it occasionally clashes with the historical setting. Among the supporting cast, Alison Oliver stands out with a memorable performance as Isabella.
Final Verdict
Rating: Average
A visually bold but emotionally shallow reinterpretation of a literary classic — stylish, provocative, and divisive, yet lacking the depth needed to truly resonate.
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