Wuthering Heights – REVIEW

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Emerald Fennell offers a new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel, Wuthering Heights – a book well-known from school studies and famously reimagined in Kate Bush’s 1978 song. Fennell signals her unique approach by presenting the title in quotation marks and stating her intention to recreate the story as she experienced it reading it at age fourteen. The film immediately establishes its provocative tone with an opening scene featuring a hanging that quickly descends into a chaotic and sexually charged crowd.

We first meet Cathy as a young girl, played by Charlotte Mellingtion, whose father, portrayed with energy by Martin Clunes, is a boisterous, often-drunk man who enforces strict discipline – and he consistently steals the show whenever he appears. One night, after drinking heavily, he brings home a boy to be Cathy’s stepbrother, whom she names Heathcliff. They become friends, and a hidden attraction develops between them, though Cathy avoids acknowledging it. Knowing her father is losing money through drinking and gambling, Cathy marries the wealthy Edgar Linton (Shazas Latif). Devastated, Heathcliff leaves, but returns five years later as Jacob Elordi – transformed from a rough, unkempt appearance into a polished, handsome man, often seen in a wet, tight-fitting shirt. Cathy, now played by Margot Robbie, is equally glamorous, adorned with beautiful clothes and jewelry, and their passionate connection is rekindled, leading to an affair.

Trapped in his situation and unable to be with the woman he loves, Heathcliff marries Edgar’s sister, Isabella (played with humor by Alison Oliver), and treats her terribly, essentially reducing her to a servant as a way to hurt Cathy. Despite this, he remains obsessed with Cathy and sends her countless letters through Isabella, but Nelly, the housekeeper (Hong Chau), intercepts them, intensifying the heartbreaking drama.

This new adaptation of the classic story is visually stunning, with beautiful lighting and impressive sets, and the chemistry between the two lead actors is captivating and often quite sensual. However, like the 1939 film, it only covers about half of the original novel. A key theme from the book – the exploration of race, particularly in Heathcliff’s character – feels overlooked with the casting of a white actor, despite his convincing Yorkshire accent, potentially missing an opportunity to resonate with contemporary viewers. The addition of some mild BDSM elements seems designed to provoke reaction more than deepen the story. The script also streamlines some characters; Cathy’s brother has been removed and his role given to her father, and the important perspective of the housemaid Nelly, who narrates much of the book, is minimized.

Fans of the original story might find this adaptation frustrating, but those new to the tragic love story will likely enjoy it. More importantly, this film confirms Emerald Fennel as one of the most promising filmmakers working in Britain today.

Here’s the Wuthering Heights trailer…..

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2026-02-12 11:23