Wuthering Heights Divides Critics Ahead of Valentine’s Release

Emerald Fennell’s bold reinvention of Wuthering Heights has split opinion among critics, with reviews ranging from glowing five-star praise to scathing one-star takedowns.

A Gothic Classic Reimagined

Starring Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw, the film reinterprets Emily Brontë’s tale of passion, obsession, and revenge. Marketed with quotation marks around the title—“Wuthering Heights”—the adaptation signals Fennell’s personal spin on the novel. Charli XCX provides the soundtrack, adding a contemporary edge.

Polarized Reviews

• The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw dismissed the film as “an emotionally hollow, bodice-ripping misfire,” awarding two stars.
• The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin gave it five stars, calling it “resplendently lurid, oozy and wild.”
• The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey was harsher, rating it one star and likening it to a “limp Mills & Boon.”
• The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney praised the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi, describing their performances as “captivating.”
• The Standard’s Vicky Jessop awarded four stars, celebrating the film’s “bags of chemistry” and “high-camp adaptation.”

Comparisons to Iconic Performances

Several critics referenced Michael Jackson’s and Prince’s legendary halftime shows as cultural benchmarks when discussing spectacle. Others compared Fennell’s adaptation to Carry On films, noting its campy, provocative style.

Praise and Criticism

Supporters argue that Fennell’s maximalist approach delivers a sensory feast, with Elordi’s star power shining through. Detractors claim the film sacrifices substance for shock value, with over-stylized drama and shallow characterizations.

Emerald Fennell’s Signature Style

Fennell, known for Saltburn, has built a reputation for provocative storytelling. Her latest project continues that trend, blending gothic romance with modern shock elements.

Release Date

Wuthering Heights opens in UK cinemas on 13 February, just in time for Valentine’s weekend. Whether audiences see it as a daring triumph or a hollow misfire, the film is already one of the year’s most talked-about releases.