Wuthering Heights review: Gloomy classic gets a sexy makeover
‘Wuthering Heights’ is a distinctly sensual interpretation of the novel that excavates a love story from all its cruelty.
Adaptations of classic novels range from faithful to transformative. In some cases, it’s a matter of lifting the narrative from one medium to another while keeping it intact. At other times, creators take the opportunity to metamorphosize the story, modernizing the characters and settings or changing the genre. Both approaches have merit and equal potential for success or failure. After decades or even centuries of variations, a fresh take can be exactly what a dusty classic requires. Wuthering Heights will surprise (and hopefully delight) fans of the book.
The Earnshaws struggle to make ends meet as Catherine’s father (Martin Clunes) mismanages the family’s purse with self-indulgence. So, the household is understandably upset when he brings home another mouth to feed after a night at the pub. Young Catherine (Charlotte Mellington), however, immediately adopts Heathcliff (Owen Cooper) as her greatest companion, casting aside Nelly (Vy Nguyen), her lady mentor. As they grow into attractive young adults, Catherine (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff’s (Jacob Elordi) friendship inevitably evolves into more. However, when the wealthy Lintons, Edgar (Shazad Latif) and Isabella (Alison Oliver), move into a nearby house, she sees the opportunity for a life of luxury. Now, Catherine must choose between love or comfort, forever changing all their lives.
The first act adoringly portrays Catherine and Heathcliff’s childhood courtship. At such a young age, their love for each other is pure and pledged for eternity. Heathcliff shields Catherine from physical harm and cruelty, though her father has a way of ensuring the household suffers anyway. Of course, this is one of many departures from the book, which depicts Catherine’s father as a kind-hearted man. But he must absorb the deplorable traits of his eldest son, who’s depravity is the source of some of the young couple’s malice.
This adaptation takes several liberties with the narrative. This adaptation takes several liberties with the narrative. The film only covers the first half of Emily Brontë’s novel. By excluding certain characters, it focuses more narrowly on Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship. Centering the story on the reluctant couple allows them to explore their love story without the undue interference of others. Writer-director Emerald Fennell enthusiastically brings forth all the novel’s sexual subtext. She gives gothic romantics the toxic love affair that was always lurking in the shadows of obsession and betrayal.
The only emotion as strong as love is hate and the pair express both fervently for each other and those around them. Before the Lintons’ arrival, Catherine cruelly teases Heathcliff to hide her true feelings for him, while he secretly professes his love by bending to her whims and returning her prickly barbs. Yet, both characters are unapologetically callous to everyone, including each other, spitting hateful vitriol at anyone close to them. In the end, it’s what makes them so perfect for each other.
Fennel presents the erotic period drama Brontë couldn’t write in 1847. After all, the English moors were always the perfect cover for secret, illicit meetings. The sexual tension between Catherine and Heathcliff puts the theatre on edge thanks to the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi, which radiates from the screen. The lead up to their first tryst is exquisite due to their intense passion and electric connection. Elordi still has his chiseled Frankenstein physique, which turns up the heat in his shirtless scenes. His towering stature also eclipses his female co-stars, creating greater contrast when he reaches out for a gentle touch.
Early promos for the film dubbed it “The greatest love story ever told,” which seems like a misnomer for anyone who’s read the book. But this adaptation of the novel pulls it off with excellent casting and a unique interpretation that dilutes their overall ruthlessness. It doesn’t entirely dismiss that Catherine and Heathcliff are vindictive individuals, but instead uses it to bring them closer together. The ease with which Fennell works with her repeat collaborators is also evident throughout the picture as she extracts the nuances of their layered performances.
Unfortunately, anyone who’s first exposure to the story is this film will be awfully disappointed should they choose to read Brontë’s novel afterward.
Director: Emerald Fennell
Starring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and Hong Chau
