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.

Further controversy surrounds the casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, reigniting long-standing arguments about the character's intended representation and the novel's use of racialized language to convey his outsider status. Critics argue this casting choice flattens the narrative's exploration of mistreatment and othering.

Opinions also diverge on whether the film is a "gothic spectacle" or "literary vandalism." While some laud its relentless photorealism, aggressive stylization, and contemporary soundtrack featuring artists like Charli XCX, others feel it sacrifices the novel's "feral psychology" for curated poses and marketable romance tropes. The film's commercial performance, with $11 million domestic on opening day, indicates strong audience engagement despite its divisiveness.