This movie is not going to be for everyone, and I’d wager that most fans of the classic Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights will fall into that category. Writer/Director Emerald Fennell said in an interview she wanted to write an adaptation of the novel that would “recreate the feeling of a teenage girl reading the book for the first time.” In doing so, Fennell has created a unique reinvention of the story with the key focus being on the intense relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff, with every other character there as support.
Now, I can’t speak to being a 14-year-old girl; however, I was 14 once upon a time, and I know that at that age the world is still so new to you. While there are exceptions, your life experiences at that time are minimal and often confined, so a greatly layered book like Wuthering Heights may speak to you on a different level. The trailer for the film says the movie is inspired by the ‘Greatest Love Story of All Time,’ which is a controversial take in itself given the darker, often abusive nature of this gothic romance tale.
But again, at 14 you have such little experience in life, let alone in love, and so to focus on the love, infatuation and obsession shared between Catherine and Heathcliff and elevate it to fanfic levels of eroticism and visceral desire is very likely a way to recreate how one may have interpreted at least part of the story at that age. Fennell does this all while still showcasing the darker, brutal side of each character so that it’s not lost that, despite the passion that Catherine and Heathcliff share for one another, these are people with serious flaws, emotional damage and generational trauma that all but embodies their entire beings.
Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” is also not without its flaws; however, her highly stylistic approach in telling this story is engrossing and caused me to look past most of them as it all unfolded. The film sets its heavily erotic tone right out of the gate during a public hanging of all places. A young Catherine (Charlotte Mellington) and her companion Nelly (Vy Nguyen) take in the show, and while the life chokes out of the unnamed man above, arousal fills the streets below. It’s here where we also see a young Heathcliff (Owen Cooper) for the first time, as he’s being verbally abused by a father-figure type.
Catherine and Nelly return to their home, Wuthering Heights, and the next day they learn that her father, Mr. Earnshaw (Martin Clunes), is telling the help that he rescued a boy from the streets and he is to stay with them indefinitely. Catherine discovers Heathcliff on her own and is immediately infatuated with him. She rushes down with him by her side and thanks her father for bringing him home. Mr. Earnshaw is happy she’s pleased and says that he can be her pet and she can take care of him.
The two are inseparable yet never cross any romantic lines. Heathcliff takes beatings from Mr. Earnshaw to protect Catherine from having to receive them and tells her that he’ll always do what’s needed to keep her from hurting. We then jump ahead at least a decade and Catherine (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) have grown up, still inseparable, yet still not crossing the romantic threshold, despite being surrounded by sexual tension so thick a knife wouldn’t even make a dent in it. New neighbours have moved in four miles away, which sounds close, but due to Wuthering Heights being a fairly isolated farmhouse, it’s still quite a journey. Catherine talks to Heathcliff and Nelly (Hong Chau) about how their new neighbour, the wealthy Mr. Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), will likely want to take her hand in marriage – much to the chagrin of Heathcliff.
The dynamic between Catherine and Heathcliff is handled incredibly well by Robbie and Elordi, with their natural chemistry being what truly sells the story, as without it everything would fall flat. Fennell’s decision to focus solely on the unbreakable bond these two share does come at the cost of any true depth to the supporting characters and the overall world around them; however, if you’re looking for unbridled raw passion and hypersexuality interwoven with jealousy, heartbreak and cruelty then you’ve come to the right place.
“Wuthering Heights” is a captivating, stylistic reinvention of the classic novel that will no doubt prove divisive amongst audiences. Fennell’s vision of the film is captured beautifully with each shot decision, superb cinematography, as well as gorgeous set and costume designs, all of which are elevated by the film’s mix of a score by Anthony Willis and an original soundtrack by Charli XCX. The editing and pacing of the film help keep it feeling brisk and focused, even at 136-minutes in length. While it lacks an overall depth, this bold retelling of the key relationship in Wuthering Heights is unapologetic and addictive in its provocative delivery of a dark tale of love and obsession.
Overall Movie Score: 4/5
4K Blu-ray Video and Audio Review:
“Wuthering Heights” is a visually stunning film, with its set design and cinematography being as integral to telling the story the way Fennell wanted as the story itself, and this 4K 2160p/HDR10/Dolby Vision transfer delivers her vision in spectacular fashion for home audiences to enjoy. The details, lighting, camera angles, fog and various other changes to the weather throughout the film all come through gloriously in one of the best looking 4K transfers of the year.
On the audio side of things we’ve also got a remarkable Dolby Atmos mix that surrounds the viewer both in fantastic sound effects that just bring you into the world, as well as the beautiful original score by Willis, and the perfectly placed original songs by Charli XCX. The dialogue is crisp and clear, front and center, never battling for center stage. An audio mix like this next to a top tier 4K transfer like we’ve received and whether you love “Wuthering Heights” or not, there’s no denying that Warner Bros. has delivered a masterful home release that fans can devour.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary – If you’re going to want to hear a commentary from anyone involved in this film it’s going to be Fennell, and that’s what we get here. The writer/director dives deep into the creation of the film, her mindset with the story she’s trying to tell, as well as the casting, the crew, the sets, the music…you name it, she likely touches upon it. As a whole this is a track well worth listening to after watching the film first.
Threads of Desire – This featurette is just under 7-minutes in length and aptly focuses on the costume design in the film and the importance they play to the story and characters.
The Legacy of Love and Madness – This feaurette is five-and-a-half-minutes in length and sees various cast and crew talk about Brontë’s novel, and how for some this was their first time diving into the world. They talk about how this film isn’t an exact adaptation of Wuthering Heights and shouldn’t be viewed as such, which is something I feel many have missed.
Building a Fever Dream – This featurette is just over 12-minutes and sees Fennell and Margot Robbie talk about the production, the set, and the unique brand of storytelling in place here that they hope audiences will latch onto.
Disclaimer: A review copy of this Blu-ray was sent to me to cover in honest and truthful fashion.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents “Wuthering Heights”. Written & Directed By: Emerald Fennall. Starring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, Charlotte Mellington, Owen Cooper, Vy Nguyen. Running time: 136 Minutes. Rating: R. Released on 4K Blu-ray: May 5, 2026.
