Director Emerald Fennell takes on Emily Brontë’s classic novel with a 20-page fashion shoot that’s more silly than serious. The film’s central romance between Cathy (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) is reimagined as a saucy, BDSM-infused tale of unlikely love. While Fennell’s Wuthering Heights promises much, it ultimately feels like a shallow, luxurious pose that prioritizes style over substance.
Fennell’s decision to leave out key elements from the book, such as Cathy’s elder brother Hindley and Heathcliff’s backstory, has left many plot threads dangling. The film also glosses over issues of diversity, particularly in its portrayal of Heathcliff, who is white-washed despite his African heritage.
Robbie shines as Cathy, a primped belle caught between her feelings for Heathcliff and her marriage to the wealthy Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif). Elordi brings a moody charm to Heathcliff, but his character’s growth feels rushed and unearned. The supporting cast, including Hong Chau as the enigmatic Nelly Dean, is wasted in underdeveloped roles.
Fennell’s direction is undeniably stylish, with a frenetic energy that recalls Baz Luhrmann’s films. However, this excess often comes at the expense of emotional depth and sincerity. Wuthering Heights feels more like a fashion statement than a genuine adaptation of Brontë’s classic novel.
Overall, Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is a campy, pseudo-romantic take on a timeless tale that prioritizes style over substance.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/09/wuthering-heights-review-emerald-fennell-margot-robbie-jacob-elordi