Wuthering Heights
The brief
Emerald Fennell takes Emily Brontë's gothic romance and turns it into something that feels both period-accurate and unnervingly modern, with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi delivering performances that crackle with sexual tension and barely contained rage. The film moves at a deliberate pace that lets you sink into the Yorkshire moors atmosphere, but when the emotional violence hits, it's brutal and immediate. Fennell's signature style of making you complicit in messy, destructive desire is all over this, creating moments that are genuinely uncomfortable to watch. If you loved the unhinged energy of "Saltburn" or appreciated how "The Favourite" made historical fiction feel dangerous, this will scratch that same itch.
The verdict
If you're drawn to psychologically twisted period pieces that make classic literature feel disturbingly contemporary, Fennell's signature style of uncomfortable intimacy and Robbie/Elordi's explosive chemistry make this worth the lengthy runtime. If you prefer straightforward adaptations or can't handle deliberately paced films that prioritize atmosphere over plot momentum, the mixed critical reception suggests you'll find this more frustrating than fascinating.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect for date nights with literary partners
- ⚠️ Skip if you prefer light romantic fare
Heads up
- Intense emotional and psychological abuse (frequent)
- Sexual content and passionate scenes (moderate)
- Themes of obsession and revenge (frequent)
- Class-based violence and cruelty (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Emerald Fennell
- Cast
- Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Owen Cooper, Vy Nguyen
Official synopsis
Young orphan Heathcliff is adopted by the wealthy Earnshaw family and moves into their estate, Wuthering Heights.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Master (2012)
Both explore destructive obsession and psychological power dynamics between men.
Total runtime: 2h 16m + 2h 17m = 4h 33m
