I just walked out of the theater and honestly, I'm still processing. My coffee's going cold because I keep replaying certain scenes in my head. It wasn't the sweeping romance I expected—it felt heavier, rawer. That final shot of the moors is still haunting me. I wasn't prepared for how angry this movie would make me feel, not at the film itself, but at the characters and their choices. It's one of those films that sits in your chest afterward. I keep thinking about what love costs people, you know?
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What's “Wuthering Heights” About?
This is Emerald Fennell's take on the classic Brontë novel. It's about Heathcliff, an outsider brought into the wealthy Earnshaw family, and his intense, destructive bond with Catherine. It's less a love story and more a story about obsession, class, and how trauma echoes through generations. The setting is this bleak, beautiful 18th-century English countryside that feels like another character.
What Works in “Wuthering Heights”
- ✓ Margot Robbie as Catherine is a revelation. She captures that wild, spoiled, deeply conflicted energy perfectly—you understand why she's magnetic and infuriating.
- ✓ The cinematography is stunning. The moors aren't just pretty; they feel alive, cold, and threatening, which mirrors the story's mood.
- ✓ Jacob Elordi brings a surprising physicality and simmering rage to Heathcliff. There's a rawness to his performance I wasn't expecting.
- ✓ Hong Chau as Nelly Dean is the film's secret weapon. Her quiet, knowing presence grounds all the chaos happening around her.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The pacing drags in the second act. After a fiery first hour, it loses some momentum focusing on the next generation.
- ✗ Some of Fennell's modern stylistic choices, like a jarring needle-drop of a contemporary song, pulled me right out of the period immersion.
- ✗ At 136 minutes, it feels long. I checked my watch once during a particularly drawn-out confrontation at Thrushcross Grange.
Standout Moments & Performances
Two moments are burned into my brain. First, the famous 'I am Heathcliff' scene. Robbie delivers it not as a romantic declaration, but like a feverish, terrifying truth she's just realizing. It gave me chills. Second, a later scene where Heathcliff simply stares at a wall, and Elordi conveys a lifetime of bitterness in one silent look. I felt his pain in my gut. There's also a chaotic, rain-soaked argument that's so visceral you can almost feel the mud and the cold.
Main Cast: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif
Direction, Music & Visuals
Fennell's direction is bold, sometimes to a fault. She leans into the story's gothic, almost horror-like elements. The score is sparse and effective, using lots of wind and ambient noise to build unease. The costume and production design are impeccable—you feel the grit under the finery. Performance-wise, Robbie and Elordi have explosive chemistry, but it's Alison Oliver as the younger Catherine Linton who quietly breaks your heart. The camera lingers on faces, making every flicker of emotion count.
Director: Emerald Fennell
Who Should Watch “Wuthering Heights”?
If you like your period dramas messy, morally complex, and not tied up with a neat bow, this is for you. It's perfect for viewers who want more psychological depth from their romance and don't mind a bleak atmosphere. Fans of the novel who are open to a bold, modern interpretation will find a lot to chew on.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a straightforward, heartwarming love story, run the other way. This is about love's dark, destructive side. Also, if you prefer fast-paced plots or need likable characters, you'll likely find this frustrating and slow.
Final Verdict
It's a flawed but fascinating film. I admired its ambition and the powerhouse performances more than I consistently enjoyed watching it. It's a tough sit—emotionally draining and deliberately unpleasant at times. But days later, I'm still thinking about it, which counts for something. I'd recommend it to someone in the mood for a challenging, well-acted drama, but I don't know if I'd willingly put myself through that emotional wringer again anytime soon.
