Wuthering Heights Review: Margot Robbie & Moorland Mayhem

A New ‘Wuthering Heights’ Dares to Be Explicit

A new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, ‘Wuthering Heights,’ starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, premiered globally today, February 13, 2026. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film is already generating discussion for its bold and sensual interpretation of the story, diverging significantly from previous adaptations.

The film, according to reviews, takes a decidedly more explicit approach than earlier versions. One critic noted that encountering Robbie’s Cathy “draped over a rock pleasuring herself on the wild and windy West Yorkshire moors” is something Merle Oberon, who played Cathy in the 1939 film adaptation, “sure never went at it this hard.” This signals a clear intention by Fennell to present a raw and unapologetic take on the passionate and destructive relationship at the heart of Brontë’s novel.

‘Wuthering Heights’ has been adapted for the screen upwards of 20 times, with reinterpretations set in various countries including France, Japan, Mexico, India, and the Philippines. Fennell’s version, however, distinguishes itself by leaning into a “psycho-sexual interpretation” of the source material. The film explores the blurred lines between love and madness as the story unfolds across two generations.

The casting of Robbie and Elordi as the tormented lovers has also been a subject of discussion. While some have expressed reservations, early social media reactions have been “fairly positive,” according to reports. The film’s soundtrack, featuring music by Charli xcx, adds another contemporary layer to the adaptation.

The novel itself, published in 1847, has proven remarkably adaptable, attracting directors as diverse as Jacques Rivette, Luis Buñuel, and Kijū Yoshida. This new adaptation, however, aims to be a “ripe and juicy bodice-ripper,” offering a fresh perspective on a well-known tale. It’s a version that explicitly asks viewers to approach it “on its own terms — not in comparison with…the brooding gothic source material.”

Fennell, known for her work on ‘Saltburn’ and ‘Promising Young Woman,’ brings her distinctive style to the project. The film reportedly doesn’t attempt to replicate a traditional, academic reading of the novel, instead offering a visually striking and emotionally charged experience.

The film’s release comes after a period of anticipation and debate surrounding Fennell’s vision. The director’s approach has prompted both excitement and apprehension, with many eager to see how she tackles the complexities of Brontë’s characters, and themes.

Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing the film.