“Wuthering Heights”

For those less familiar with this classic tale of the Earnshaw family, we are transported to the pastoral fields and rocky terrain of the West Yorkshire moors in Northern England. Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) grows up alongside the orphan Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi), whom her family adopts. Their bond transcends something purely sibling-like, evolving into a deeply entangled relationship. However, Catherine ultimately chooses to marry the exceedingly wealthy Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) in an attempt to secure her family’s future. This decision triggers a chain of events driven by Heathcliff’s jealousy and thirst for revenge. 

Fennell has stated that this adaptation reflects her memory and interpretation of the beloved  novel. For devoted Brontë fans, however, this is less an adaptation and more a complete reimagining. Detailing every stylistic change would require pages, but it is fair to say that this version is heavily sexualised and only loosely tethered to the original narrative. From the absence of Nelly’s (Hong Chau) guiding narration, to alterations in Heathcliff’s heritage, to the drastic reshaping of Isabella’s (Alison Oliver) storyline, the changes are significant. Longtime admirers of the novel may find themselves frustrated, while Fennell’s followers may embrace the bold departures. 

This places considerable weight on Robbie and Elordi to convince audiences that this retelling warrants attention. Yet despite the sensual charge woven throughout the film, the central relationship struggles to ignite believable chemistry. Visually, the production design and costumes — particularly Catherine’s transformation within the Linton world — provide striking imagery. Unfortunately, this becomes one of the few consistently compelling elements. Both leads often feel reduced to stylised caricatures rather than fully realised characters, making it difficult to invest in them as lovers or as wounded adversaries. 

With Fennell’s modern emphasis on explicit sexuality and provocative reinterpretation, this rendition of Wuthering Heights bears only a faint resemblance to the windswept tragedy many readers know. What once functioned as a brooding, romantic classic becomes something far more confrontational — and arguably far less enduring. 

The original novel may have once been a Valentine’s weekend favourite for mothers and daughters or young couples seeking a sweeping love story. Fennell instead delivers something closer in tone to a prequel for the E. L. James universe than to Brontë’s Gothic romance.  

Reel Dialogue: What should I put before my eyes? 

Revenge, nudity, sex, and abuse — the material in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights presents plenty for viewers to consider. Without sounding prudish, an honest question emerges: What should we choose to place before our eyes for the sake of entertainment? 

This film exposes the tension between artistic ambition and moral discernment. It taps into our desire to experience compelling storytelling, even when that storytelling pushes into territory that unsettles our conscience. Psalm 101:3 says, “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” That verse invites a moment of pause. 

Filmmakers may justify explicit content in the name of realism or artistic expression. Yet the responsibility does not rest solely with the creator. Viewers also make a choice. Should we willingly place graphic sexuality and depictions of abuse before our eyes and into our minds? Each person must answer that question for themselves — but it is worth asking before purchasing a ticket. 

Something to consider before seeing Wuthering Heights. 

Bible References

Psalm 101:3 “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.”

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Reel Dialogue has entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage.

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