Emerald Fennell'S 'Wuthering Heights': A Bold, Fan-Fiction Twist On Brontë'S Gothic Romance

Emerald Fennell Takes on Brontë's Classic

Filmmaker Emerald Fennell, known for her penchant for provocative storytelling, has taken on Emily Brontë’s timeless "Wuthering Heights." This classic tale, notorious for its complexity and dark themes, has fascinated and confounded audiences since its publication in 1848. Fennell’s approach is no exception, offering a bold interpretation that stays true to her unique style.

"Wuthering Heights" has always been more than just a love story. The tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff is set against a backdrop of class struggles, inheritance disputes, and revenge, making it a fertile ground for adaptation. Fennell’s version pares down the narrative, focusing primarily on themes of hate and its pervasive impact while leaving out several original characters.

A Defiant and Bold Experiment

Fennell’s adaptation is an audacious experiment, showcasing an anti-academic take on the story that might surprise Brontë purists. Featuring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film presents a more physical manifestation of the characters’ intense connection. This version promises not to be Brontë’s book, but rather a fresh take inspired by Fennell’s personal interpretation from her teenage years.

“With its bold, absurd pageantry and devilish scheming, 'Wuthering Heights' might just satisfy that big-screen itch,” noted a reviewer.

The film’s aesthetic choices reflect Fennell's flair for the dramatic, boasting a blend of gothic elements and modern touches. The costume design, unbound by a specific period, adds to the surreal, pop art atmosphere. However, these bold stylistic decisions may distract rather than enhance the storytelling.

Provocative, Yet Lacking Depth

For all its daring choices, Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" is ultimately a shallow and blunt retelling. The film’s high level of stylization and fan fiction-like narrative may leave some viewers searching for the depth and emotional intensity that the original novel provides.

While Jacob Elordi portrays a more restrained Heathcliff, largely focused on protecting and punishing Cathy, Margot Robbie’s Catherine channels a gothic Scarlett O’Hara. Yet, the chemistry between the leads and the absence of some core elements from Brontë's work may disappoint traditionalists.

Emerald Fennell’s movie, released by Warner Bros., hits theaters with an R rating for its sexual content and language. Clocking in at 136 minutes, it offers a visually captivating yet narratively thin adaptation that, despite its shortcomings, might still find an audience among fans of Fennell’s distinctive style.