“Wuthering Heights” Divides Critics: What This Means for Gothic Romance Revivals
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has landed amidst a storm of mixed reviews. While anticipation was high, critics are split on the film’s direction, performances, and its take on the classic novel. This initial reaction raises questions about the current appetite for gothic romance and how filmmakers are approaching these beloved stories in the 21st century.
The Controversy: Lewd Scenes and Performance Critique
Much of the early criticism centers on the film’s intensity, specifically its depiction of intimacy. Collider described the intimate scenes as “exhausting,” suggesting they overstay their welcome. The performances of Robbie and Elordi have also drawn scrutiny. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent awarded the film a one-star rating, finding their portrayals “almost pushed to the border of pantomime.” Kevin Maher of The Times dismissed Robbie’s Catherine as a “Brontë Barbie,” referencing her recent role in “Barbie.”
A Director’s Bold Vision: Fennell’s Approach
Director Emerald Fennell appears to have taken a deliberately provocative approach to the source material. Reports indicate she created “shrines” in the actors’ dressing rooms, filled with images and mementos of each other, to foster a sense of obsession mirroring the characters’ relationship. Jacob Elordi described the move as “funny” and “fantastic,” while Margot Robbie noted it “set the bar” for the intensity of their on-screen romance. This unconventional method highlights a trend of directors pushing boundaries to elicit specific performances, even if it risks alienating some viewers.
Not All Doom and Gloom: Positive Reactions Emerge
Despite the negative press, some critics have championed Fennell’s vision. Robbie Collin of The Telegraph lauded the film as “resplendently lurid, oozy and wild,” awarding it a five-star rating. Caryn James of the BBC praised Fennell’s direction as “an extravagant swirl: sexy, dramatic, melodramatic, occasionally comic and often swoonily romantic.” This divergence in opinion suggests the film isn’t simply “lousy,” but rather a polarizing interpretation that won’t appeal to all audiences.
The Future of Gothic Romance Adaptations
The mixed reception to “Wuthering Heights” offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing filmmakers adapting gothic romances today. Audiences are increasingly sophisticated and demand more than just faithful recreations of classic stories. They wish fresh perspectives, complex characters, and narratives that resonate with contemporary sensibilities.
Several key trends are emerging:
- Emphasis on Psychological Depth: Modern adaptations are delving deeper into the psychological motivations of characters, exploring themes of trauma, obsession, and power dynamics.
- Increased Sensuality: Filmmakers are not shying away from exploring the physical and emotional intensity of romantic relationships, often pushing boundaries in terms of on-screen intimacy.
- Genre Blending: Gothic romance is increasingly being blended with other genres, such as thriller, horror, and fantasy, to create unique and compelling narratives.
- Diverse Casting and Representation: There’s a growing demand for more diverse casting and representation in period dramas, challenging traditional norms and offering fresh perspectives on classic stories.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s Take on the Classic
Margot Robbie described the film as “a lot raunchier” than the original novel, noting the increased frequency of kissing and physical intimacy. She also enjoyed playing a character with such volatile emotions, swinging “from one wild emotion to the other in an instant.” This suggests a deliberate attempt to modernize the story and appeal to a contemporary audience accustomed to more explicit content.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the new “Wuthering Heights” a faithful adaptation? The film is described as a “loose adaptation,” meaning it takes liberties with the original story and characters.
- Who directed “Wuthering Heights” (2026)? Emerald Fennell wrote and directed the film.
- Who stars in “Wuthering Heights” (2026)? Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi play Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, respectively.
- When is the release date? February 13, 2026.
Pro Tip: When exploring adaptations of classic literature, consider the director’s vision and how it might differ from your own interpretation of the source material.
What are your thoughts on the new “Wuthering Heights”? Share your opinions in the comments below!
