Fennell's Wuthering Heights: Passion or Pastiche?

Director Emerald Fennell presents a visually striking, if debated, adaptation of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights." Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, this version amplifies passion and literalism, focusing solely on the novel's first half. Fennell's approach includes vibrant cinematography, heightened emotional intensity, and stylistic anachronisms, aiming to bridge the past with the present. The film's production design, particularly the ominous manor, mirrors the characters' doomed nature. Several classic elements, including the narrative framing and familial relationships, are altered, impacting themes like sibling incest. While the leads maintain audience attention, their on-screen chemistry is questioned. The adaptation's stylized approach and thematic layering, including ideas on gender and dominance, have been described as both engaging and at times overwhelming. Ultimately, the film's ornate embellishments and departure from Brontë's wild vision leave some viewers wanting more of the novel's original spirit.