Story perspectives

Fennell's “Wuthering Heights” Tops 32 Nations, Earns $236M

5/3/2026

Summary

Fennell's Film Tops

Writer-director Emerald Fennell’s film “Wuthering Heights” became the most popular movie one day after its May 1 release, topping charts in 32 countries, according to FlixPatrol.
The movie streams on HBO Max and ranks eighth on Amazon’s U.S. PVOD chart.
It grossed $236 million on an $80 million budget, just enough to be profitable.
Audiences rated the film 76%.
Viewers criticized Romani casting of Heathcliff and steamy-romance marketing for misrepresenting novel’s toxic-relationship themes.

Summary

Fennell ’s Fetish

Emerald Fennell directs the classic tale as a visceral, fetish-laden spectacle.
Charli XCX’s soundtrack amplifies the film’s hyper-sensual tone.
The film shows set pieces—pig slaughter, oozy snails on windows, and pink hairless pig’s feet—alongside BDSM scenes that use egg yolk and pig’s blood to frame a comedy of sexual obsession.
Supporting actress Alison Oliver’s screw-loose Isabella steals scenes, with reviewers comparing her performance to Michael Shannon in Revolutionary Road.

History

Historical Context

Anthony Minghella’s 1996 film *The English Patient*, adapted from Michael Ondaatje’s 1992 Booker-Prize novel, won nine Oscars at the 69th Academy Awards and was acquired by Miramax for $27.5 million. Its commercial success sparked a surge in period-drama streaming, prompting platforms like HBO Max and Amazon to weigh bold adaptations such as Emerald Fennell’s *Wuthering Heights*.

1 of 3

Fennell's Film Tops

Writer-director Emerald Fennell’s film “Wuthering Heights” became the most popular movie one day after its May 1 release, topping charts in 32 countries, according to FlixPatrol.
The movie streams on HBO Max and ranks eighth on Amazon’s U.S. PVOD chart.
It grossed $236 million on an $80 million budget, just enough to be profitable.
Audiences rated the film 76%.
Viewers criticized Romani casting of Heathcliff and steamy-romance marketing for misrepresenting novel’s toxic-relationship themes.

1 / 3