"Wuthering Heights"

Wuthering Heights is a 2026 romantic period drama that takes a bold, modern spin on Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel. Written, directed and produced by Emerald Fennell, the film follows the doomed love story of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, set against the moody Yorkshire moors. Margot Robbie brings a fierce, sensual edge to Catherine, while Jacob Elordi plays the brooding, dark‑skinned Heathcliff with a mix of intensity and vulnerability. The supporting cast—Hong Chau as Nelly, Shazad Latif as Edgar, Alison Oliver as Isabella, and others—adds depth to the tangled web of relationships that drives the plot.

Fennell’s vision is clear: she wanted to “recreate the feeling of a teenage girl reading this book for the first time.” That promise shows in the film’s striking visuals and lush cinematography by Linus Sandgren, shot on 35mm VistaVision in the Yorkshire Dales. The soundtrack, composed by Anthony Willis with original songs from Charli XCX, gives the story a contemporary pulse that contrasts with its 18th‑century setting. The trailer, released in September 2025, already hinted at a film that would be as much about atmosphere and style as it is about the characters’ emotional journeys.

The movie’s tone is unapologetically sensual, with a heavy dose of carnality that pushes the boundaries of the source material. Critics were split: Rotten Tomatoes shows a 58 % positive score, while Metacritic sits at 55/100. Some praised the film’s visual flair and the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi, calling it a “visually vibrant pleasure.” Others felt the adaptation was emotionally hollow or that it sacrificed the novel’s spiritual longing for a more explicit, stylized experience. CinemaScore gave it a “B,” suggesting that general audiences found it solid but not unforgettable.

Box‑office numbers reflect that mixed reception. With a $80 million budget, the film has earned $177 million worldwide, topping the U.S. box office in its opening weekend but falling short of expectations. It’s a solid performer for a period romance, especially considering its niche appeal.

Who will enjoy Wuthering Heights? Fans of lush, period‑set dramas who appreciate strong performances and bold visual storytelling will likely find it compelling. Those who love Margot Robbie’s fierce screen presence and Jacob Elordi’s brooding charisma will also be drawn in. If you’re a fan of Emerald Fennell’s work on Saltburn or of the actors’ previous collaborations, you’ll probably appreciate the film’s contemporary edge.

Who might not? Literary purists or viewers who expect a faithful, emotionally resonant retelling of Brontë’s novel may feel disappointed. If you’re sensitive to explicit sexual content or prefer a more subdued, traditional romance, the film’s heavy stylization and carnality might feel off‑kilter.

In short, Wuthering Heights is a visually striking, sensual reimagining of a classic love story that will spark conversation—whether you love it or hate it, it’s bound to leave an impression.