Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Divides Critics with Bold Adaptation

Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’, starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, has sparked a wide range of reactions from critics ahead of its UK release on February 13. The film, described as Fennell’s personal reinterpretation of the classic gothic tale, emphasizes highly stylized visuals, sexual tension, and maximalist performances. Reviews are sharply divided: The Guardian critic Peter Bradshaw calls it an ’emotionally hollow, bodice-ripping misfire,’ while The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin praises it as ‘resplendently lurid, oozy and wild,’ suggesting that the film’s style itself conveys substance. Some critics, including those from the Independent and the Sun, argue that the adaptation leans too heavily on sensationalized sexual content, likening it to a Mills & Boon romance, whereas others highlight the strong chemistry between Elordi and Robbie as a highlight. Comparisons range from arthouse comedy to campy Carry On-style humor, reflecting Fennell’s audacious approach to the source material. Musician Charli XCX contributed the soundtrack, adding to the film’s contemporary cultural appeal. While some reviewers argue that the characters have been simplified or sexualized excessively, others celebrate the movie’s energy, inventive style, and compelling performances. Overall, the adaptation polarizes audiences, blending classic literary drama with bold, modern reinterpretation.