“Wuthering Heights” released in theaters on February 13th, 2026, and immediately received a variety of reviews from the public. Starring Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Cathy Earnshaw, the film directed by Emerald Fennell is an on screen adaptation of the 1847 novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte featuring songs by Charli XCX. The movie follows Cathy, the daughter of a landowner, and Heathcliff, a boy who Cathy’s father took in, as they grow up and form an obsessive and destructive relationship with one another. However, class differences and social expectations of the time keep them apart. The years of emotional turmoil, heartbreak, and revenge that follows clearly demonstrates the damage that obsessive love and pride can have. Set in the late 18th and early 19th century, this gothic, drama filled romance has become extremely popular, but not everyone agrees that this film was worth the watch.
I saw this movie a few weeks after its release, and really enjoyed it. The dark, gothic elements have been expertly woven throughout the movie alongside a creative Alice in Wonderland like twist. The plot is extremely interesting, and makes you want to keep watching to see how it ends.
However, the movie has faced a ton of backlash by fans of the original novel who feel it is inaccurate and not a faithful adaptation. The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, who in the novel is not supposed to be caucasian, erases the racial prejudice that is so central to the book. People have criticized this choice, because they feel that it strays away from the novel’s deeper meaning and message. Critics also feel as though the storyline is simplified, and focuses more on the visual drama than accuracy. Some choose to point out the fact that the title of the movie has quotations around it, which seems to suggest that the movie is only based on the novel, and not an exact interpretation. Brian Truitt, from USA Today, argues that “Fennell’s adaptation takes some liberties with Emily Brontë’s original 1847 Victorian-era novel, but unless you’re a devout superfan, you likely won’t be too mad”.
I think that the performances given by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are one of the most memorable aspects. Catherine is strongly portrayed as passionate and selfish, capturing all sides of her personality. Heathcliff is brooding, and emotional, presented as both sympathetic and frightening. Additionally, the film style is a highlight of the film. This movie has a consistent dark and dramatic feel to it, which goes hand in hand with the gothic costumes and set design. The film style is visually intense for audiences, and emphasizes the turbulent emotional journey that the main characters go on.
In my opinion, “Wuthering Heights” was an extremely engaging dramatic gothic romance, and is a good film as long as you keep it separate from the book. While it may not satisfy readers who want a faithful adaptation of the novel, it is a beautifully emotional, modern interpretation of a classic novel. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it, and I totally recommend that you go see it in theaters while it is still showing!
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