Wuthering Heights: Emerald Fennell Brings a Bold, Sensual Twist to the Classic Romance

Oscar-winning filmmaker Emerald Fennell has returned to theaters with a daring new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s timeless novel, Wuthering Heights. The film, now playing in cinemas, stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, bringing fresh intensity to one of literature’s most famous love stories.

A Lifelong Obsession Turned Into Film

Fennell first read Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel when she was just 14 years old. The tragic and toxic romance between Cathy and Heathcliff left a deep mark on her.

“I’m a fanatic. I just adore it,” Fennell said at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. Decades later, after directing Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, she felt drawn back to the novel. She wanted to create a movie that would make audiences feel something powerful and physical.

Rather than trying to outdo Brontë’s masterpiece, Fennell focused on capturing how the book made her feel. “Emily Brontë’s the best,” she said. “I just hope to make somebody’s favorite movie.”

A More Intimate and Emotional Adaptation

Fennell’s version of Wuthering Heights turns up the emotional and physical intensity of Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship. While the original novel is filled with longing and repression, this adaptation leans into the raw passion and desire between the characters.

One much-talked-about scene highlights Cathy’s sexual awakening, underlining the novel’s themes of longing, repression and emotional chaos. The film embraces melodrama and sensuality, aiming to give audiences a full emotional experience.

Producer Josey McNamara of Robbie’s Luckychap production company said the goal was to take viewers on an emotional roller coaster. “Hopefully, we’ll have people who laugh, who cry, who are turned on. You run the gamut of emotions.”

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s Chemistry

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi bring strong on-screen chemistry to the stormy Yorkshire Moors. Fennell wrote the role of Heathcliff with Elordi in mind, inspired by his look in Saltburn.

Elordi admitted he felt pressure stepping into a role previously played by actors like Laurence Olivier, Ralph Fiennes and Tom Hardy. His main concern was doing justice to such an iconic character while adding something personal to the role.

For Elordi, working with Robbie was also a dream come true. “She’s always been on my list of the greats,” he said.

Robbie, who previously worked with Fennell behind the scenes through Luckychap, said she would “follow her anywhere” as a director.

Why Classic Romance Still Connects

The renewed interest in intense romance stories — seen in series like Bridgerton and trending adaptations like Heated Rivalry — shows that audiences still crave stories about longing and emotional extremes.

Actor Alison Oliver, who plays Isabella, believes the themes in Wuthering Heights still resonate today. The novel’s exploration of desire, jealousy and destructive love continues to help audiences understand themselves.

“There’s a reason why people keep going back to the classics,” she said. “There’s something in it that helps us understand ourselves better.”

Supporting Cast and Music

The film also stars Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper. The soundtrack features music by Charli XCX, adding a modern edge to the period drama.

Now Playing in Theaters

Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is now playing in theaters. With its bold take on a literary classic, powerful performances and heightened emotion, the film aims to introduce a new generation to Cathy and Heathcliff’s unforgettable — and deeply complicated — love story.