Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, has arrived in theaters, igniting a storm of divided opinions among critics. The film, a bold reimagining of the timeless love story, is being lauded by some for its audacious style and sensual approach. However, others are criticizing it as an emotionally hollow misfire that deviates too far from the source material.
Some critics are praising Fennell's unique vision. Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph awarded the film five stars, arguing that Fennell understands that "style can be substance when you do it right". Caryn James of BBC.com gave it four stars, suggesting viewers embrace the film's audacious style as a reinvention rather than a strict adaptation, calling it "utterly absorbing". Alison Willmore of New York Magazine called it Fennell's "dumbest movie," but said that was why it was her best. Brian Truitt of USA Today gave the film 3.5/4, praising Fennell reaching such great “Heights” that this feels like the first must-see movie of 2026, an enthralling retelling of an all-time love story through an accessibly modern lens.
Other reviewers have been less impressed. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent gave the film a single star, calling it "an astonishingly hollow work" that guts the novel's emotional violence and complexity. The Guardian echoed these concerns, describing the film as an "emotionally hollow, bodice-ripping misfire" that misuses its leads. Natalia Keogan of AV Club gave the film a “rotten” score on RT, writing, “Overlong and undersexed, Fennell's version of Wuthering Heights betrays her audience of edgelords and perverts." Collider's review, titled 'Emily Brontë Is Absolutely Rolling in Her Grave', criticized the adaptation's departures from the source material.
Margot Robbie's performance as Catherine has also drawn varied reactions. Some critics say that she overcomes preconceptions and supercharges Catherine. Others, however, feel that she, along with Jacob Elordi, are reduced to "props" in Fennell's stylized version of 19th-century England, with the emphasis on visual appeal overshadowing the story's pathos. Collider claims that Robbie appears too mature for Cathy and that the character has been reimagined as a "whiny rich girl" rather than a fierce, defiant presence.
Despite the mixed reviews, many agree on the film's technical achievements. Linus Sandgren's cinematography, Susie Davies' production design, Anthony Willis' score (featuring songs by Charli XCX), and the costuming have all been lauded. Fennell's bold choices, such as the anachronistic music and modern sensibilities, have been acknowledged, even by those who ultimately found the film lacking.
Some critics highlight that Wuthering Heights is less a faithful adaptation and more a personal interpretation of Brontë's novel through Fennell's unique lens. Fennell herself has stated that her adaptation is based on her feelings for the book after reading it at 14. This approach has resulted in a film that is visually striking and emotionally charged but also divisive.
Ultimately, Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights seems poised to be a cinematic experience that elicits strong reactions, whether positive or negative. As Alison Willmore from New York Magazine puts it, "Wuthering Heights is Fennell's dumbest movie, and I say that all admiration, because it also happens to be her best to date." Whether audiences will be swept away by its bold vision or recoil from its excesses remains to be seen.