“Wuthering Heights” Review: A Romance in Scare Quotes

Pitchfork

by Anna Gaca

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*, officially titled “Wuthering Heights” in scare quotes, aims to bring fresh energy to Emily Brontë’s classic novel but falls short due to its overwrought drama and lackluster execution. While the film tries to modernize the story by making the characters’ emotional struggles explicit—Heathcliff and Catherine finally consummate their relationship, which was left unaddressed in the original novel—it fails to capture the novel’s subtle tension and repression. Fennell’s approach strips away key elements of Brontë’s work, such as its layered storytelling structure and multi-generational depth, replacing them with a visually indulgent but emotionally flat narrative. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as Catherine and Heathcliff, but their performances lack the nuance needed to bring the characters’ complex psyches to life. The film’s excessive focus on visuals—gorgeous sets, bold costumes, and dramatic camerawork—distract from its weak dialogue and uninspired direction. The adaptation’s failure lies in its inability to balance Brontë’s themes of denial and restraint with modern expectations of drama and explicitness. Fennell’s screenplay simplifies the novel’s intricate plot, sidelining major characters and reducing the story to a predictable love triangle. While Catherine’s servant Nelly (Hong Chau) stands out as the only actor who delivers genuine emotional depth, Robbie struggles to portray Catherine’s volatile nature, often coming across as wholesome rather than bitter and unpredictable. Elordi fares no better, with his portrayal of Heathcliff lacking the intensity and complexity needed to carry the film. The movie’s excessive reliance on visual spectacle—such as Catherine’s enormous jewelry or Heathcliff’s over-the-top “manly” presence—feels forced and detracts from the story’s emotional core. For readers interested in music and culture, this adaptation highlights the challenges of translating classic literature into modern cinema while maintaining its essence. Fennell’s approach, which leans heavily on visuals and sensationalism, ultimately undermines the novel’s subtle psychological depth. The film’s ambitious attempts to rework Brontë’s themes into something more contemporary fall flat, leaving audiences with a tedious and unconvinc

Verticals

musicculture

Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/20/2026