‘Wuthering Heights’ divides critics before Valentine’s release as Margot Robbie–Jacob Elordi pairing sparks debate

Emerald Fennell’s bold reimagining of the classic gothic romance is earning praise for style and chemistry — but criticism for excess and shock value.

What happened:

• Director Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has sharply split critics ahead of its Valentine’s Day release.

Why it matters now:

• The film reinterprets Emily Brontë’s gothic novel with bold visuals and modern themes, reigniting debate about how far adaptations should deviate from literary classics.

What changes for people:

• Audiences heading into cinemas may find a stylised, provocative take rather than a traditional period drama — shaping expectations around romance adaptations.

Who is affected:

• Filmgoers, streaming platforms tracking Valentine’s releases, and the broader awards-season conversation around ambitious literary remakes.

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A classic romance — but with a provocative twist

Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” leans heavily into heightened fashion, sensual imagery and a darker tone. Set across the Yorkshire moors, the film revisits the turbulent relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff — characters long seen as symbols of obsession and revenge.

Critics say the film positions itself less as a faithful retelling and more as a personal reinterpretation. The marketing even frames the title in quotation marks, signalling that this version intentionally breaks from tradition.

Bold creative choices — including BDSM-inspired imagery and high-camp styling — have become a central talking point, drawing both curiosity and controversy online.

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Critics split between praise and frustration

Reviews range from glowing to sharply critical.

Some reviewers applauded the film’s aesthetic ambition. Supporters argue that Fennell uses costume design, music and atmosphere to turn style into storytelling, creating an immersive sensory experience.

Others were far less convinced. Critics described the film as “sex over substance,” saying that emotional depth sometimes gives way to visual spectacle. A few reviewers even compared the tone to exaggerated parody, suggesting the drama occasionally veers into theatrical excess.

Despite disagreements, many critics acknowledged that Robbie and Elordi’s on-screen chemistry stands out, with several calling their performances captivating even when the narrative falters.

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Fashion, music and shock value dominate the conversation

The film’s soundtrack, created by pop artist Charli XCX, adds a modern edge to the period setting — another decision that has divided audiences before release.

Fennell’s previous projects often blended elegance with controversy, and this adaptation follows that pattern. Critics say the film’s energy feels like a fever-dream: visually polished, emotionally intense, but sometimes uneven in pacing.

Supporters see this as a refreshing reinvention of a well-known story. Detractors argue it risks overshadowing the raw tragedy that made the original novel endure.

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Why this adaptation feels different from past versions

Unlike earlier cinematic retellings, this version places strong emphasis on spectacle and sensuality. Costumes, staging and editing are designed to amplify emotional tension rather than simply recreate historical realism.

Some reviewers noted that while the film experiments heavily with tone, the core narrative structure still mirrors Brontë’s original plot, suggesting that Fennell balances rebellion with familiarity.

This blend of classic storytelling and contemporary aesthetics could influence how future literary adaptations approach beloved texts.

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The bigger cultural debate: reinvention vs authenticity

The reaction to “Wuthering Heights” reflects a broader trend in Hollywood — audiences increasingly expect bold reinterpretations, but nostalgia for faithful adaptations remains strong.

For some viewers, Fennell’s maximalist approach signals a new era of romantic cinema, one that embraces spectacle and experimentation. For others, it risks diluting the emotional gravity of a literary masterpiece.

Whether the film becomes a cult favourite or a divisive footnote may depend less on critics and more on how Valentine’s audiences respond once it hits theatres.