After decades or even centuries of variations, a fresh take can be exactly what a dusty classic requires. Wuthering Heights is bound to surprise (and hopefully delight) fans of the book.
The Earnshaw household is understandably upset when the father (Martin Clunes) brings home another mouth to feed. Young Catherine (Charlotte Mellington), however, immediately adopts Heathcliff (Owen Cooper) as her greatest companion. As they grow into attractive young adults, Catherine (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff’s (Jacob Elordi) friendship inevitably evolves into more. However, their new wealthy neighbours, Edgar (Shazad Latif) and Isabella (Alison Oliver), present an opportunity for a new life. Now, Catherine must choose between love or comfort.
The first act adoringly portrays Catherine and Heathcliff’s childhood courtship. Heathcliff shields Catherine from physical harm and cruelty, though her father has a way of ensuring the whole household suffers his tirades and impulses.
This adaptation takes several liberties with the narrative. The film only covers the first half of Emily Brontë’s novel, excluding certain characters and focussing on Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship. Writer-director Emerald Fennell enthusiastically brings forth all the novel’s sexual subtext, creating an intense gothic romance.
Catherine and Heathcliff are unapologetically callous, spitting hateful vitriol at anyone close to them. In the end, it’s what makes them so perfect for each other. The sexual tension between Catherine and Heathcliff radiates from the screen thanks to the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi.
It doesn’t entirely dismiss that Catherine and Heathcliff are vindictive individuals, but instead uses it to bring them closer together. Reducing their malice makes one almost root for the toxic couple.
Director: Emerald Fennell
Starring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and Hong Chau
