A New Era for Cathy and Heathcliff
Emerald Fennell, the provocative mind behind Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, has never been one for subtle adaptations. The film is described by Fennell as a “half-remembered dream” of the novel rather than a beat-for-beat recreation.
Set against a backdrop of the actual Yorkshire Moors but infused with modern sensibilities, the story follows the destructive obsession between Catherine Earnshaw (Robbie) and Heathcliff (Elordi). While Robbie brings a “selfish, vindictive, and bored” edge to Cathy, Elordi’s Heathcliff is being framed as a “fetishistic object of erotic fantasy,” moving away from the character’s traditionally darker, more vengeful roots to focus on the “carnal cravings” of the star-crossed pair.
Breaking the Brontë Rules
If you’re expecting a faithful literary lesson, you might want to check your SparkNotes at the door. Fennell has made some bold, “scandalous” changes to the source material:
The Soundtrack: The film features an entire album of original songs by Charli XCX, including the lead single “House,” blending 19th-century longing with 21st-century hyper-pop.
Narrative Cuts: Like many adaptations before it, the film focuses entirely on the first generation, omitting the “messy” second half of the novel involving the characters’ children.
Modern Aesthetic: The costumes and production design lean into a “fashion shoot” style, with critics noting that the film feels more like a “TikTok mood board” brought to life than a dusty historical drama.
Valentine’s Weekend Forecast
Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy, Wuthering Heights is tracking for a massive opening weekend. With a projected $40 million to $50 million domestic start, it is expected to dominate the Valentine’s and President’s Day box office. For those looking for a “toxic, messy, and beautifully shot” date night, this is the undisputed cinematic event of the week.