Fennell's Wuthering Heights: Romance or Warning?

Emerald Fennell's latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights, released on February 13, 2026, has sparked considerable debate among critics and audiences alike. Starring Margot Robbie as Cathy Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film has been described as a visually stunning, modern gothic spectacle, while others argue it's a marketable romance that compromises the novel's original emotional depth and psychological complexity.

The adaptation's opening, noted for its intensity, immediately sets a tone of shock and sensuality. Critics are split, with a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences show an 85% approval. The film's approach has led to discussions about whether it serves as a romance or a cautionary tale, particularly for first-time viewers unfamiliar with the source material's darker themes of obsession.