Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie take the screen as Heathcliff and Catherine (Cathy) Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell’s loose adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.” The film premiered on Feb. 13 and follows the relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff, her family’s orphaned ward, who is treated more like a servant. As children, Cathy and Heathcliff fall into a forbidden love and their passion develops as they grow older, turning toxic over time and transforming into the destructive force that shapes this tragedy. While its faithfulness to the novel has sparked controversy, the film is a beautiful yet heartbreaking and disturbing tale of dangerous passion in a relationship fated to fail.
“Wuthering Heights” is a testament to the impressive acting range Elordi and Robbie are able to master. Their chemistry and palpable tension make for an intense and gripping experience. Their performances make the yearning and passion radiate off the screen. Elordi’s portrayal of Heathcliff’s rage and frustration underlined by heartbreak is incredible. He seamlessly transitions from coldness to tender affection, reinforcing the instability of their relationship. Robbie delivers an excellent performance as the seemingly happy Cathy, whose emptiness is disguised under a mask of elegance, lavishness and opulence. Even without explicit dialogue, both Elordi and Robbie convey so much through their eyes. They capture the essence of these tortured and toxic characters simply with facial expressions.
The supporting actors, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Hong Chau as Nelly, and Martin Clunes as Earnshaw, also offer strong performances teeming with raw emotion and vulnerability.
Additionally, the film offers outstanding cinematography by Linus Sandgren. The visual experience is intentional, each piece having a deeper meaning in the context of the film. Color and contrast are used deliberately to set the mood and reflect the characters. The costume design is breathtaking and takes a modern approach to the period fashion. The clothing styles and colors transform throughout the film, mirroring each character’s evolving experience.
The set is almost utopic and fairytale-like. Everything seems too perfect; it creates an off-putting environment as viewers trace the dark story. The atmosphere is meant to be disturbing, and Fennell intentionally disguises it in a pretty package. The food in the Linton house, for one, is always seen encased in a jelly-like substance. Nature and order are preserved, restricted and on display, not unlike these characters. Cathy’s room in the Linton house also adds to this idea. Edgar, her husband, explains to her that he painted the walls to match her skin, even including her freckles. She’s confined in her room or symbolically in her own skin. Viewers see Cathy’s walls transform throughout the movie, reflecting her own story and making for a suffocating experience.
The film is enhanced by an outstanding soundtrack by Charli XCX. Charli’s album represents a shift from her normal music style, but an exceptional one at that. This gothic yet elegant soundtrack adds to the intensity of the film and contributes to its modern nature. Her vocals provide a compelling contrast to the dark backtrack.
“Wuthering Heights” also embeds social commentary throughout the story. It speaks to issues of social hierarchies and class conflicts. Characters are portrayed as inferior and unworthy based on economic standing, which especially comes through in Heathcliff’s journey. The idea of forced perfection and confinement is conveyed both subtly and overtly in the movie. The story follows a toxic and abusive relationship between two psychologically damaged people. Their feelings are all-consuming and they not only destroy them, but also those around them.
The film does an amazing job highlighting darkness and devastation, while also showcasing the purity and tenderness of their relationship. Cathy and Heathcliff’s romance starts as children, pure and innocent, but societal standards diminish them, causing it to transform into something dysfunctional. Flashbacks to when the pair was younger highlight this evolution and add to the sorrowful nature of the film. It shows all sides of passion, not shying away from the provocative, intoxicating and sorrowful ones.
“Wuthering Heights” is both a painful and enchanting film. It offers a devastating portrayal of passion, obsession, destruction and revenge that sticks with viewers. It’s an unforgettable story that will likely bring tears to your eyes.
4.5/5
