"Wuthering Heights" is a daring reimagining of Emily Brontë's classic novel, brought to life by the multifaceted Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Saltburn) The film stars Jacob Elordi, who takes on the brooding role of Heathcliff, and Margot Robbie, portraying the passionate and tempestuous Cathy. Produced by Robbie's own LuckyChap Entertainment alongside MRC and Lie Still, this adaptation ventures beyond mere retelling, presenting a fresh and dark interpretation of the iconic tale.
Released in cinemas by Warner Bros. Pictures on February 13th, the movie debuted successfully, grossing an impressive $37.5 million over the Valentine's Day weekend and ultimately surpassing $242 million worldwide against a budget of $80 million. Critics were less enthusiastic, offering it a 57% on the Tomatometer, while moviegoers seemed to resonate more with its allure, granting it a sturdy 76% on the Popcornmeter.
"Wuthering Heights" (rated R; 135 minutes) is now available for purchase in stunning 4K UHD™ [*], Blu-ray™ [*], and DVD [*], accessible through both online and physical retailers. It is already available for digital purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video [*] and Apple TV, among others. The release comes packed with special features, including a commentary by director Emerald Fennell and three featurettes titled Threads of Desire, The Legacy of Love and Madness, and Building a Fever Dream.
As of May 1st, "Wuthering Heights" is streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
Emily Brontë's haunting Gothic tale is often misconstrued as a romantic novel, and while some readers might passionately argue otherwise, it's far more complex and darker than mere romance. As I settled in to watch the new adaptation, it struck me that the majority of the audience was likely female, yet I found myself among a handful of men who, intrigued by the novel's legacy, sought to immerse ourselves in this reinterpretation. What surprised me most was the realization that I had read the book in my childhood. The details were a blur, but the story had left an indelible mark on my memory.
As I explored the online discussions about the movie, I was shocked by the overwhelming negativity directed at it. The so-called "book lovers" on platforms like YouTube seemed to delight in tearing it apart. Honestly, it's just a movie. If it's not your cup of tea, don't watch it. There's no need to unleash vitriol upon director Emerald Fennell for casting Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff; he’s far from the first white man to take on this complex role. Fennell explained her choice by referencing her own childhood vision of Heathcliff, and as the filmmaker, it is her prerogative to sculpt the story in her unique way. Accepting that doesn't require blind adoration or horrifying verbal assaults.
The adaptation follows in the footsteps of its predecessors by only covering the first half of the novel, conveniently omitting the second-generation storyline entirely. Fennell zeroes in on the dysfunctional love story between Catherine “Cathy” Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and her brooding foster brother, Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). They are introduced as children before being swiftly aged to allow Robbie and Elordi to fully take over the roles. Their adult dynamic is fraught with tension, as both characters grapple with their emotions but are too prideful to openly acknowledge their love. When Cathy chooses to marry the well-to-do Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), it's a choice that drives Heathcliff away. A year passes, Cathy becomes a stepmother to the peculiar Isabella (Alison Oliver), and when Heathcliff returns to claim his past, he arrives with vengeance and desire.
This version of "Wuthering Heights" may alienate some audiences, leading to the negative backlash I mentioned. Heathcliff and Cathy are deeply flawed, selfish characters who wreak havoc on those around them, creating a toxic cycle of love and destruction. Yes, Fennell made decisions that depart from the original narrative to craft her vision, but to me, the film was a visual feast. Swedish cinematographer Linus Sandgren harnessed the moody landscapes, meticulously curated set pieces, and stunning costumes to establish an atmosphere steeped in Gothic dread. The clever use of camera angles enhanced the eerie ambiance, immersing viewers in a world of turmoil. Victoria Boydell's editing, paired with Anthony Willis's atmospheric score and original tracks by Charlie XCX, wove a dark tapestry that resonated deeply with the film’s themes.
Label me strange or a heretic for my take on Brontë's classic—truthfully, I embrace those labels. I loved the film, despite its morally ambiguous characters. The Gothic atmosphere, imaginative costume designs, and spellbinding score swept me away. Even the raw, passionate love scenes and the gloomy heartbreaking conclusion left a lasting impact. Watching it in 4K UHD™ [*] was pure visual delight, and my second viewing on Fandango at Home was equally gripping, even if the quality hadn’t quite matched its pristine physical counterpart.
Overall, I was left exhilarated by "Wuthering Heights". It exceeded my expectations and proved that sometimes, embracing the dark and twisted depths of a narrative can lead to unexpected enjoyment. If you're intrigued by a story that intertwines strangeness, darkness, and love, I urge you to seek this film. You may find it resonates in a way you never anticipated. ╌★★★★★
〜B.J. Burgess
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“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess