Story perspectives

Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights Sparks Controversy and Box Office Success

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, released February 13, 2026, has sparked significant controversy.
Critics note the film departs from Emily Brontë's original narrative and emphasizes sexuality over character depth.
Jacob Elordi stars as Heathcliff, a casting choice that has drawn particular ire given the character's traditional portrayal as a person of color.
Reviewers describe the film as visually stunning but emotionally lacking, with many scenes deemed gratuitous or confusing.
Despite mixed reviews, the film has performed well at the box office, grossing $152 million against an $80 million budget.

History

Historical Context

The 1939 film adaptation of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," directed by William Wyler and starring Laurence Olivier, faced criticism for omitting significant parts of the novel and altering character portrayals. This adaptation, which won the New York Film Critics Award for Best Film, reflects ongoing debates about fidelity to source material and character representation, themes that resonate in contemporary adaptations like Emerald Fennell's upcoming version.

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Story summary

Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, released February 13, 2026, has sparked significant controversy.
Critics note the film departs from Emily Brontë's original narrative and emphasizes sexuality over character depth.
Jacob Elordi stars as Heathcliff, a casting choice that has drawn particular ire given the character's traditional portrayal as a person of color.
Reviewers describe the film as visually stunning but emotionally lacking, with many scenes deemed gratuitous or confusing.
Despite mixed reviews, the film has performed well at the box office, grossing $152 million against an $80 million budget.

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