Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights has sparked a heated debate over its use of maximalist storytelling and casting choices, particularly Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. The film’s commercial success is a stark contrast to the worsening critical consensus, which has dropped to 59% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film’s bold approach has drawn comparisons to other divisive adaptations, such as Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes and Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. Both films received mixed reviews from critics but went on to become major box office hits.
Fennell’s directorial style is often described as singular and audacious, evident in her previous works like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. While some praise her for pushing boundaries, others criticize her approach as prioritizing visual splendor over the source material’s essence.
The debate surrounding Wuthering Heights highlights the ongoing tension between artistic vision and commercial viability. As the film continues to rake in millions at the box office, it remains to be seen whether Fennell’s maximalist style will be widely accepted by audiences or if it will lead to a prolonged period of critical backlash.
Source: https://collider.com/sherlock-holmes-guy-ritchie-cult-classic-streaming-success-february-2026