Story perspectives

Fennell's Wuthering Heights: Visually Stunning, Critically Divided

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation releases on February 13, 2026.
Critics describe it as visually stunning yet narratively shallow, focusing on Cathy Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi).
The opening scene features a public hanging, establishing a tone of eroticism and chaos.
Production design earns praise, while critics fault depth and class and race dynamics.
Rotten Tomatoes scores 71% and Metacritic scores 60%.

History

Historical Context

Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," published in 1847, explores themes of love and social class through the tumultuous relationship of Cathy Earnshaw and Heathcliff. The novel's complex narrative has inspired numerous adaptations, including the 1970 film, which faced mixed reviews despite its commercial success. This ongoing reinterpretation highlights the enduring relevance of Brontë's work in discussions about class and race dynamics in literature.

1 of 2

Story summary

Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation releases on February 13, 2026.
Critics describe it as visually stunning yet narratively shallow, focusing on Cathy Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi).
The opening scene features a public hanging, establishing a tone of eroticism and chaos.
Production design earns praise, while critics fault depth and class and race dynamics.
Rotten Tomatoes scores 71% and Metacritic scores 60%.

1 / 2