Recently, I’ve found myself becoming deeply interested and invested in cinema, especially as 2026 continues to offer more and more exciting film releases. I’ve watched countless trailers for movies I’m genuinely looking forward to, and one that stood out to me was the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I went to see it on Valentine’s Day, and these are some of the thoughts I gathered afterwards.
Plot, scenography and costumes
Having previously read the original novel, it quickly became clear that the film is not a faithful, scene-for-scene adaptation. In fact, it departs significantly from the source material, making it more accurate to describe ‘Wuthering Heights’ as loosely based on the book, retaining only certain plot points and characters. However it didn’t bother me at all. It was actually very interesting to see the modernised version of it, especially because we know the original one so well. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi deliver strong performances as Cathy and Heathcliff, convincingly portraying the characters’ intense yearning and devotion to one another, which made them perfect for the roles.
The film maintains a dynamic pace, complemented by consistently strong scenography. Whether the scenes take place outdoors, with characters running through the estate, or indoors within Edgar’s mansion, the film’s visual design is carefully crafted and consistently engaging. The scenography successfully evokes the gothic atmosphere that Brontë so vividly described in her writing.
As a fashion enthusiast, I did notice that some of the costumes did not clearly reflect the era in which the story is set. That said, costume designer Jacqueline Durran deserves major recognition. Cathy’s wardrobe, in particular, stands out and is likely to become an iconic reference point for upcoming fashion trends this year.
The main theme: yearning
What I love about every Bronte’s books, or film adaptations is the fact that stories are so timeless, evoking readers/ recipients to a personal interpretation and emotional response. Emily Brontë, in particular, was remarkably modern for her time – bold in her decision to write and publish novels in an era when women were rarely recognised as writers, and fearless in exploring themes that challenged the social norms of her period.
Yearning is the word that best describes the overall experience of the screening. It stands as the film’s central theme, reinforcing its romantic core and contributing to Heathcliff’s undeniable appeal. Cathy, however, faces a defining choice: Edgar, a kind and socially respected man who appears perfect on paper – wealthy, secure, and well-established – or Heathcliff, the love of her life, driven by passion and willing to do anything to prove himself worthy of her.
It encouraged me to consider how our understanding of love changes as time passes and societies evolve. Today, we come across headlines such as Vogue declaring that “having a boyfriend is embarrassing,” a stark contrast to the hopeless romanticism of two centuries ago, when people would to search for their other half and do anything it took to get them.
The ending – devastating and lingering
The film’s ending was devastating, leaving me in tears long after the credits rolled. There is a powerful bond created between the audience and Cathy and Heathcliff, one that makes viewers desperately hope they will find a way back to each other. Without giving anything away, it is an ending that lingers – and yet another strong production from a director Emerald Fennel -clearly at the height of her craft.
Do I recommend it? 100% yes. To watch with your friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, or just by yourself. Then you don’t have to hide your tears in front of anyone (take some tissues with yourself, I didn’t and was just choking on my tears).
