Emerald Fennell is in the middle of a historic run right now, she kicked off her career winning an Oscar for the movie “Promising Young Woman”, and followed it with “Saltburn.” She is a director that thrives off sexual shock value in her films.
When she was announced to be directing the 2026 film adaption of “Wuthering Heights” and the casting was announced the public was very frustrated and angry. As someone who never read the novel “Wuthering Heights,” I was still able to learn a lot about the book and why the casting was all wrong due to the outrage from audiences. Even throughout social media it was a big emergence of hate spewing everywhere.
The main concern was the actor Jacob Elordi playing the character Heathcliff. Since that character is described as a dark-skinned, dark-haired, and dark-eyed “gypsy” foundling with a brooding, handsome, yet rugged appearance, Jacob Elordi being casted was quickly hated. Although he is a talented actor, it was not a good casting decision. Margot Robbie was cast alongside him to play Catherine, yet her character is described as a teenager for most of the novel, and dies at age 18. Margot Robbie is 35. Crazy age difference from novel to book.
I understood immediately all the backlash but I was still intrigued on seeing the film when it would come out, and so on Feb. 14 I went to the theatre with popcorn and sat for the entire thing. My honest opinion was I loved every second of it. Unfortunately I fell into a trance with the stunning cinematography and set design. It was so unique especially for a gothic romance genre. My favorite set design was the sky during specific scenes. It looked very artificially saturated and the snow falling looked very cartoonish but I was memorized by how well done it looked by the window.
For the characters, I learned after watching the movie that it was very unfaithful to the novel. Heathcliff is supposed to become very evil and harmful. His relationship in the novel with Isabella is very traumatic and he abused her many times, even going as far as sexually assaulting her. However in the film, Healthcliff and Isabella have a very communicative and consensual relationship. He told her clearly from the very beginning that he was only ever going to think about Catherine during their marriage and won’t treat her any good but he won’t go further if Isabella said no. Isabella knew the entire time what their agreement was and she was good with it. This is a major difference, but I prefer the film as a non-reader.
Although this change is detrimental to Heathcliff’s character development, I liked how Isabella wasn’t physically being abused especially on the big screen. The maid Nelly also has some changes that I do wish were included in the film. In the novel, Nelly is the narrator. As a reader you learn how she was very spiteful and resentful towards Catherine. You have a clear understanding of her intention the entire time, and are able to dislike her more. But in the film, my hot take is I actually liked her character and felt for her. She doesn’t get any internal thoughts, all you see is Catherine being very cruel to her saying things like, “You will never be loved.” I actually feel satisfied when Nelly is the last one standing in a way because she was treated so poorly and was dealing with very insufferable people.
Catherine is mean, selfish and spoiled but she is only likeable, in my opinion, when she is with Heathcliff and vice versa. I guess this is the whole point?
Another controversy about the film was the costuming not being historically accurate. If you’ve read the novel, the story takes place during the 1770s–1801, but I feel that even if the costumes aren’t close to the time, it makes it even better. I love to see dramatic costuming on screen, and as someone who loves fashion it was fascinating to see the changes in Catherine’s wardrobe throughout her arc. When she married Edgar, the more luxurious her outfits and makeup became. I loved seeing her with rhinestones over her freckles and wearing bright, loud, colored skirts. It makes the film have a niche aesthetic and stand out.
Overall, I understand all of the concerned fans who adored the novel had. Although I will most likely always love the film adaptation because I didn’t read the novel the first time, this has inspired me to go out and read, I will be able to learn even more about the juxtaposition from the film and book. I may get some people who think my opinion is wild, but I believe both reactions are valid.
