Emerald Fennell has taken a drastic approach to adapting Emily Brontë’s classic novel ‘Wuthering Heights’, cutting away nearly all of its characters and altering the story in ways that disregard the original material. The film focuses on a young Heathcliff and Cathy, instantly forming a bond but ignoring the complexities of their relationship as portrayed in the book.
The most problematic aspect is the casting of Margot Robbie as Cathy Earnshaw, who seems ill-suited for the role due to her age and acting style. Robbie’s character lacks the wild child energy and defiance seen in Brontë’s novel, instead feeling more like a whiny rich girl.
Visually, Fennell has delivered a captivating film with vibrant colors, but it’s narratively shallow. The tone is often surreal and serious, but also absurd at times, making the story feel hollow.
The director’s decision to disregard the source material is evident in the film’s portrayal of characters like Hindley and Hareton, which are completely erased from the narrative. Fennell has been praised for her visual aesthetic in previous films, but this adaptation falls short.
In conclusion, Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ is a disappointing adaptation that fails to capture the essence of Emily Brontë’s novel. With poorly cast leads and a disjointed narrative, it feels more like a parody than an actual literary classic.
Source: https://collider.com/wuthering-heights-review-margot-robbie-jacob-elordi-emerald-fennell-emily-bronte