"Wuthering Heights"

Wuthering Heights is a 136‑minute, visually striking romantic period drama that takes a bold, almost cinematic leap from Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel. Emerald Fennell, who’s already worked with Margot Robbie on Saltburn, wanted to capture the raw, almost adolescent thrill of a teenage girl opening the book for the first time—so the film is a loose, stylized version of the story, not a page‑for‑page retelling.

At its core, the film follows Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) and Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) as they navigate a whirlwind of passion and tragedy on the moors of Yorkshire. The setting is lush and moody, shot on 35 mm VistaVision at Sky Studios Elstree and the Yorkshire Dales, with Linus Sandgren’s cinematography giving it that sharp, almost dream‑like quality. The score by Anthony Willis and a handful of original songs from Charli XCX add a contemporary edge that feels surprisingly fresh for a period piece.

The movie’s tone is unapologetically carnal and chic. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 58% approval rating, noting it’s “a visually vibrant pleasure” even if it’s not the literary gold standard. Metacritic’s 55/100 and a CinemaScore “B” suggest it’s hit‑or‑miss for general audiences. Some reviewers, like David Sims of The Atlantic, called it a “heaving, rip‑snortingly carnal good time,” while others, such as Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, found it “emotionally hollow.” So if you’re into bold reinterpretations, lush visuals, and a romance that’s as intense as it is dramatic, you’ll probably find a lot to love here.

On the flip side, if you’re a purist who loves the original novel’s subtlety and spiritual longing, or if you’re averse to the film’s explicit sexual scenes, you might find it a bit too heavy-handed. The movie’s heavy dose of carnality and stylized set pieces can feel like a distraction for those who prefer a more restrained, literary approach.

With a budget of $80 million and a worldwide haul of about $205 million, the film proved to be a commercial success despite the mixed critical chatter. It premiered at the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, and its marketing campaign—trailers, a Gone with the Wind‑inspired poster, and a Vogue cover—helped build buzz across major cities.

If you’re a fan of period romance, enjoy a bit of daring sexual storytelling, and appreciate a film that’s more about mood and visual flair than strict fidelity, Wuthering Heights is worth a watch. If you’re looking for a faithful, literary‑centric retelling or prefer a quieter love story, you might want to set your expectations a bit lower.