Wuthering Heights review: Margot Robbie-Jacob Elordi drives you crazy but not in the way Emerald Fennell wanted

What works for Wuthering Heights

The film is a loose inspiration for the iconic 1847 novel, Emily Brontë’s only novel. The idea has not been lost on the production, presenting it with the grandeur that the narrative deserves, set on an endless swamp. It transports you straight to West Yorkshire, with servants and companions, as well as nobles and commoners. Meanwhile, it strikes a chord with the audience over the fleeting moments of the cool background score, which features singers like Charli XCX.

What doesn’t work for Wuthering Heights

When one approaches a story like this, one cannot help but care about the history that is present in it. Emerald Fennell seems to have forgotten that creating a superficial description can be written off as another ambitious interpretation of the book and nothing more. World-building aside, it doesn’t evoke feelings of joy or sadness as well as Emily Brontë’s writing.

"Whatever our soul is made of, his soul and mine are the same," The importance of this line in the original has defined love stories for generations, with not many being able to replicate its impact. Margot Robbie says it with a straight face, relying only on fake tears from her eyes, unable to tear the carpet from under your feet, it doesn’t leave you speechless with the sad truth of their separation, but is simply expressed in the void. There is no music to add to its impact, so most of the blame is left on the director.

The second half gets better with a shaved Heathcliff, who focuses on Cathy’s heart, body and soul. However it soon turns into a ramble with too much being said at once and not enough response. Their chemistry during the press tour seems more believable than on screen, a sad reality of the director’s missed opportunity being felt very clearly.

acting performance in wuthering heights

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Cathy is a complex character, so layered that translating it into a 136-minute film can be a daunting task. But Margot Robbie approaches it with the audacity of a successful star, unaware of the frustration and scorn she must endure. Perhaps the actress was unable to leave her Barbie character behind after all. Jacob Elordi, in the incredibly contemplative role of Heathcliff, injects interest into moments with his keen eyes that reveal a thousand things in each moment. But only so much can be done with his bulging figure, as he too is unable to escape the curse of flat delivery of iconic dialogues.

Owen Cooper is an absolute star in his big screen debut. Cheeks rosy more than the color of Margot’s skirt, he draws you straight into his feelings of pain, a scene so rare in film that you become eager to see more of him. In fact, all the child actors get more attention than their older counterparts, which is a shame for fans of the story.

Final Verdict for Wuthering Heights

Emerald Fennell brings you the superficial cake to eat that everyone avoids because it looks right in your face. The film is out and is likely to garner a huge audience in the coming days. As to whether they’d rather have it tossed aside, though our bet is that many will simply lick the frosting before tossing it aside.