Film Review: Wuthering Heights (2026)
Emerald Fennell’s new film, Wuthering Heights, brings Emily Brontë’s classic story to life in a fresh and captivating way. The film features Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, two characters caught in a tumultuous love.
Elordi shines with a deep performance, portraying Heathcliff’s pain and longing. His complexity contrasts with Robbie’s portrayal, which sometimes feels less convincing. Early scenes struggle to showcase Cathy’s yearning for Heathcliff, making their love seem one-sided until later in the film.
The movie opens dramatically with a hanging, quickly shifting to Heathcliff’s childhood. Mr. Earnshaw, played by Martin Clunes, brings Heathcliff into his home, where Cathy and Heathcliff form a bond that feels genuine and raw. Their innocent connection showcases the depth of their shared experiences, offering a glimpse into their future relationship.
As adults, the dynamics change. Cathy starts a relationship with Edgar (Shazad Latif), creating a love triangle. This adaptation doesn’t shy away from steamy scenes, adding a contemporary twist reminiscent of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby.
Isabella, played by Alison Oliver, provides an interesting twist as she becomes a pawn in Heathcliff’s obsessive love for Cathy. Oliver’s performance adds layers, making Isabella appear smarter than she initially seems. Hong Chau, as Nelly, acts as a barrier between Cathy and Heathcliff, burning letters to keep them apart.
Elordi’s commanding presence makes scenes electrifying, often overshadowing Robbie. Their chemistry is compelling, yet at times, it feels unbalanced due to Robbie’s inconsistent performance in early scenes. Despite this, the film’s visual splendor and the inclusion of Charli XCX’s music enhance the emotional journey.
Fennell’s direction skillfully highlights passionate moments, letting viewers fully experience the characters’ desires. The movie effectively juxtaposes Cathy’s constrained life with Heathcliff’s struggles, underlining the tragic nature of their love.
While the film may not serve as a comprehensive guide to Brontë’s novel, it presents enough allure to attract contemporary audiences. As a steamy romantic drama, Wuthering Heights is likely to stand out among love stories in 2026.
Rating: 7.5/10
This year, social media buzz suggests that fans are embracing this new take, engaging on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Some viewers describe it as “the romantic film of the year,” illustrating its impact on current pop culture.
For those interested in exploring further, the complexities of love and desire in Wuthering Heights resonate with modern themes. If you’re curious about the deeper layers of this classic, you can find more insights from literary critics and film analysts in reviews across online platforms.
Learn more about the original Wuthering Heights novel here.
