The Wasteland Reviewer

Wuthering Heights (2026) Written Review

What should you expect from an adaptation of a classic romance in the hands of Emerald Fennell? If you ever watched Saltburn…you will know that she brings the horny and sensual vibes around. The unhinged boldness and taboo sensibilities of Fennell’s work make you wonder what will happen with such classic source material. One thing you should know is that Fennell will make it 100% her own. This is not your parents’ or Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. 

How does Fennell leave her own stamp on this adaptation of Bronte’s iconic novel? First off, the vibes are so distinct and rich. The colors of the film are so vibrant. This film is so rich visually that you will be in awe are certain points. The cinematography from Linus Sandgren is so sharp and dynamic. Each shot feels so specific and controlled in the way he frames the setting and the characters. The lighting is quite impressive with sunlight at sundown standing out with its rich and intense colors. The production design is unmatched as the titular estate looks so distinct and eerie while the massive estate of Mr. Linton is so ornate and fascinating to look at. The costumes range from ragged and dirty to exuberant in the most amazing ways. Fennell leverages fog and rain in key moments that make those moments feel so much more distinct. Charli XCX’s score is anachronistic yet traditional. It is somber yet sexy. There are so many layers to the atmosphere is assists Fennell in crafting. Generally, the film moves well despite dragging a tad in its final home stretch. But it is also important to know…Fennell’s take on this story is horny, twist, and filled to the brim with repressed energy. This will certainly push buttons and challenge its audience (as Fennell has done previously with Saltburn). 

Does Fennell’s adaptation deliver an engaging story? Compared to the classic novel, many will be frustrated by the focus and approach that Fennell takes. This is a filmmaker’s romanticized version of this story and injected with a darker and more twisted atmosphere. This is a sprawling story about the romance between the daughter of a wealthy widower, Catherine Earnshaw, and the adopted and abused boy who her father took in, Heathcliff. They are not meant to be due to class and society, but they cannot resist the intense connection they have had since they were young. Fennell dives deep into the themes of repression that arises due to not being with each other. Cathy is a character who is hard to love and connect with. Self-centered, arrogant, and confident, Cathy sees what she wants and goes for it (even when she is married and Heathcliff comes into her life again). This is a spider-web of deceit, repression, regret, and love. No matter how toxic Cathy and Heathcliff are for each other, there is a connection between them as they are so much alike and their characters parallel with each other. The ripples of other characters in the narrative are felt well as Cathy’s father, her companion, husband, and her stepdaughter all get drawn into this web of which no one is safe from. The film plays a bit safe and tragic towards the end but the unhinged dynamic throughout the film makes it quite engrossing. 

Does the cast match Fennell’s energy? This cast is certainly game for this horny and raunchy twist on the Wuthering Heights story. Young Charlotte Mellington is a nice place to start with her spunky and fully committed performance as a high-energy and rambunctious Cathy. This transitions well when Margot Robbie takes over the role. Robbie is a force on screen with her intense portrayal full of snark, bite, and poison. Cathy is a social climber who will choose marriage over love to get a better life. Robbie channels this attitude well while balancing in plenty of insecurity, lust, and sadness throughout the film. Cathy is a conflicted individual, and Robbie sells that conflict so effectively. Jacob Elordi is a towering presence with attitude and strength as Heathcliff while also showing moments of sadness and vulnerability. But his aggressive lust and intense cruelty looms over the latter half of the film and Elordi embodies that perfectly. Hong Chau is more reserved in the film, but she can channel so many layers underneath a stare as Cathy’s confidant. Martin Clunes delivers a big, bold, and darkly funny turn as Cathy’s flawed and problematic father. One of the most fun turns in the whole film comes from Alison Oliver as the strange and quirky Isabella. At times childlike and awkward, Oliver’s performance evolves with her character as she shows a wild side of her in the latter half (one of the best aspects of the whole film). 

Is Wuthering Heights a must-see adaptation of this classic novel? Important to note…this is NOT Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Fennell took inspiration and ran with it to craft a wild, bold, and colorful adaptation of Bronte’s novel. Horny, twisted, and intense, Fennell’s film offers up more of a wild and modern twist on this class story. This will not mesh well with everyone’s sensibilities, and it might be a challenge for those who want a more faithful adaptation. Fennell aims to explore repression and succeed. All the technical aspects and performances deliver with plenty of flair. If you can stomach it, Wuthering Heights is a bold new romance for the new year.