The Wooing of “Wuthering Heights” (2026)

By Angela D. Norris

Just remember how, during Valentine’s Day weekend in 2015, 2017, and 2018, many women
flocked to the film releases of the Fifty Shades series, based on the best-selling novels fan fiction
inspired by the Twilight series. The second I heard a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights was
coming with Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, my wings were flapping in anticipation.
Based on Emily Brontë’s sole novel (under a male pseudonym because ‘gasp! a female writer!’),
it is a gothic, Victorian story of passion and hate, an obsessive and destructive love believed by
both leads to be on a supernatural level, above the limitations of society and class. Yet those will
prevent and persuade one destructive choice after another, sabotaging self and those nearest.
As indicated in the trailer, this is not a challenge of converting a complex book into a two-hour
film, but the inspiration with a sultry spin to the toxic love story that never stood a chance,
although it has survived in literature for nearly 180 years.
Emerald Fennel, who wrote and directed this twisted fantasy, erased or thoroughly changed
many of the novel's characters and their hands in molding the leads Catherine, into a crooked
basket case of void, and Heathcliff, a dangerous, vengeful villain. Like the former’s fancy
dresses and corsets, the layers have been peeled away to reveal the bare bones of a formidable
and unbreakable bond between these two.
Stripped down to the chaotic, manic obsession that is the crux of Catherine and Heathcliff’s
relationship, Emerald’s hyper-focused viewpoint will have you reaching for a cool glass of
water. Yet, your thirst will be as unquenched as the love is unrequited.
Known for her iconic roles as Harley Quinn and Barbie, Margot Robbie portrays Catherine
Earnshaw, the spoiled daughter who treats Heathcliff like a brother, then equal, then something
far dearer that she never expresses in words to him or fully admits to herself.
The main thing I found distracting about Margot was her blonde hair (not age as some
complained) because all I could see was Barbie. Despite her talent in bringing Catherine into a
different light, darker hair would have not only suited the character better, but also provided that
separation from her usual roles.
On the heels of his Oscar-nominated performance in Frankenstein (2025), Jacob Elordi lives in
the Victorian era yet again, only this time as Heathcliff, the young orphan found by Catherine’s
father, brought home to be her “pet.” The lack of additional characters and context to the amount
of abuse and neglect he endures on the written page makes this version of him watered down and
two-dimensional.  
However, Jacob brings the brood, the cool, and the sex appeal with a glance or smirk. You know
he wants to give in and eat Catherine in just one bite, but he is careful with her, protects and
guards, believing they will always have each other.
The chemistry between Jacob and Margot is as dense as Jupiter’s atmosphere, as magnetic as the
Moon is to the Earth, as dangerous as the Moors themselves.

Enter the competition: a new, rich neighbor by the name of Edgar - gentle, patient, kind, boring-
ass, missionary position only - Linton. Played by Shazad Latif, he brings a softness not often
associated with men of great fortune, and is more likeable in Emerald’s world.
Allison Oliver delivers a wonderful portrayal of Isabella Linton who has plenty of shortcomings
when it comes to society and prospects, finding solace in her dolls and books. She is a perfect
pawn to be used.
Despite the glitter of Catherine and the brooding of Heathcliff, this is NOT a fun film. It is
heartbreaking, chaotic, destructive, smutty, and out of control.
One aspect of this story is a cautionary tale of betraying one’s own instinct, losing oneself to
another’s power, and being bound to another by codependency. What looks like taking control
where you can often leads to filling a void that remains empty. Should we go against our hearts,
we will tell ourselves lies in order to survive those contradictory choices.
Are you necessarily missing out by skipping her version of Catherine and Heathcliff? No.
“Wuthering Heights” is a decadent dessert that pleases momentarily, but still leaves you craving
something more significant.

Rating 2.5/4

Be sure to check out Charlie XCX’s original soundtrack, a gothic, surreal experience featuring
“Chains of Love” and “Always Everywhere.”

**Stay tuned for Angela’s Atypical Film Review of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride!”
**Be sure to check out my written review of Frankenstein (2025) as well as our two-part podcast
dedicated to the film.

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