Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi in New Wuthering Heights: Release Date & Review

Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, released on February 13, 2026, isn’t attempting to be a faithful recreation of the classic novel. Instead, it’s a deliberate reimagining geared towards a contemporary audience, one that Fennell herself describes as possessing a “TikTok aesthetic.” The film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, prioritizes visual impact and emotional resonance over the novel’s complex moral ambiguities and often brutal depiction of human nature.

Fennell, known for her previous work on Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, brings a distinct stylistic approach to the story. As one reviewer notes, the film is constructed in a way that feels almost designed for viral snippets – “If I cut this into 100 pieces, I have 100 virals that work perfectly.” This emphasis on immediate, impactful imagery is a departure from previous adaptations, many of which attempted a more faithful and often somber, rendering of Brontë’s work.

The film’s divergence from the source material is particularly evident in its treatment of Heathcliff. Previous adaptations, like the 1954 version directed by Luis Buñuel, or the 1988 Japanese adaptation by Yoshishige Yoshida, often portrayed Heathcliff as a genuinely cruel and destructive figure. Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal in a 1992 adaptation also emphasized this darker side. Fennell’s version, however, softens the character, aiming for a more conventionally tragic romance. The film reportedly “eliminates the most pernicious and cruel elements that define the characters of Brontë” in an attempt to evoke a response akin to films like Titanic or La La Land – a desire to elicit tears and heartbreak, but without the underlying bitterness and rage present in the novel.

This shift in tone is further underscored by a direct reference within the film itself. The character of Isabella explicitly mentions having read Romeo and Juliet, seemingly as a narrative cue to the audience about the trajectory of the story. The reviewer suggests this is a sign that the film doesn’t fully trust the audience to grasp the unfolding events without explicit signposting, transforming a relationship rooted in sadomasochism and domination into something more palatable and even “fun.”

Despite the changes to the narrative’s core, the film does capitalize on the star power of its leads. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s casting is a significant draw, and their on-screen chemistry is acknowledged. Notably, Robbie is seven years older than Elordi, a reversal of the typical age dynamic in previous adaptations. Elordi’s physical presence is described as “imposing” and “dangerous,” reminiscent of a darker Ryan Gosling, while Robbie brings a “picardía física” – a playful physicality – that makes their connection believable.

The 2026 adaptation is the latest in a long line of interpretations of Brontë’s novel. Wuthering Heights has been adapted for the screen over 20 times, with versions set in various countries including France, Japan, Mexico, India, and the Philippines. Directors as diverse as Jacques Rivette and Kijū Yoshida have tackled the story, each bringing their own unique perspective. Fennell’s version, however, stands out for its explicit targeting of a younger demographic and its embrace of a highly stylized, visually driven aesthetic.

The film’s budget was reported at $80 million, and it has currently grossed $76.8 million. The film premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on January 28, 2026, and was released theatrically by Warner Bros. Pictures. Critical reception has been mixed, suggesting that while the film may appeal to a modern audience seeking a visually striking and emotionally charged romance, it may fall short for those seeking a more faithful and nuanced adaptation of Brontë’s complex and often unsettling novel.

The cast includes Hong Chau as Nelly, Shazad Latif as Edgar, Alison Oliver as Isabella, Martin Clunes as Mr. Earnshaw, and Ewan Mitchell as Joseph, alongside Robbie and Elordi. The film’s cinematography is by Linus Sandgren, with editing by Victoria Boydell. The score is composed by Anthony Willis, and features songs by Charli XCX.