Something about this film feels different — and it’s not just the casting. Days before its official international release on February 11, 2026 (and February 13 in the United States), Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights has already divided audiences. People are debating it, defending it, and in some cases, completely rethinking what they expect from a literary adaptation. That kind of reaction doesn’t happen often.
Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this bold reimagining of Emily Brontë’s classic isn’t arriving quietly. It’s walking into cinemas this week surrounded by conversation — about its performances, its modern twists, and the risks it takes with one of literature’s most intense love stories.
So what exactly is sparking all this discussion? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Is the New Wuthering Heights Movie So Controversial?
This isn’t a traditional retelling of Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic. Director Emerald Fennell, known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, has brought her signature bold and slightly unsettling storytelling style into this project.
The film is being described as:
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Emotional but provocative
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Romantic but disturbing
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Familiar yet surprisingly modern
Many early reactions say the movie doesn’t play it safe. It challenges viewers instead of comforting them. And that’s exactly what is dividing audiences even before wide release.
The film officially releases internationally on February 11, and in the United States on February 13. It will also debut in Australian cinemas this Thursday. Backed by MRC Studio and distributed by Warner Bros Motion Pictures, it is getting a major global rollout.
Margot Robbie as Catherine – More Than Just a Classic Heroine
Margot Robbie plays Catherine (Cathy), and this role feels very different from her recent projects.
Interestingly, Robbie is not just acting in the film. She is also co-producing it under her LuckyChap banner, alongside Josey McNamara and Emerald Fennell. This marks her third collaboration with Fennell after Promising Young Woman and Saltburn.
Her portrayal of Cathy has been described as layered and emotionally intense. The character isn’t softened for modern audiences. Instead, she remains flawed, impulsive, and emotionally complicated — just like in Brontë’s novel.
Some early viewers noted that Robbie brings both vulnerability and unpredictability to the role. Cathy feels passionate, restless, and at times even destructive. It’s not a simple romantic heroine performance. It’s messy — in a way that feels very human.
Jacob Elordi on Playing Heathcliff
Jacob Elordi steps into the heavy role of Heathcliff, and he has openly spoken about how deeply he thought about the character.
In recent interviews, Elordi described Heathcliff as “the original outcast.” He explained that the character grows up feeling unwanted and bracing for rejection. Because of that, his physical presence changes throughout the film.
Early in the story:
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Heathcliff is guarded
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His body language feels protective
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He appears curled inward, almost defensive
Later, after returning to Wuthering Heights:
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He stands taller
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His clothing reflects wealth and power
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His posture shows control and autonomy
Elordi said that Cathy becomes Heathcliff’s “only source of warmth” in a cold world. That emotional dependency shapes their intense and often toxic connection.
Many critics say Elordi captures both the romantic and dangerous sides of Heathcliff, which makes the character magnetic but also troubling.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s On-Screen Chemistry
One thing almost everyone agrees on — the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi is strong.
Their relationship on screen feels seductive but unstable. There’s attraction, longing, jealousy, and emotional damage all wrapped together. Instead of presenting a simple love story, the film leans into obsession and madness.
Elordi has publicly praised Robbie, calling her:
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A “pure source of energy”
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Someone who handles countless responsibilities while staying positive
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An inspiration to work with
He mentioned that watching Robbie manage acting and producing at the same time made it impossible for anyone else on set to complain. That behind-the-scenes respect seems to have translated into their on-screen dynamic.
What Makes This Version Different From the Book?
This is where the debate begins.
Fennell has taken creative liberties that some viewers may find bold — and others might find controversial.
Notable changes include:
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Modern or slightly anachronistic costume elements, especially in Catherine’s wardrobe
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A contemporary soundtrack that reportedly includes music from Charli XCX
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Selective removal of certain subplots and characters from the original novel
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More explicit or risqué emotional elements
For traditional readers of Wuthering Heights, these updates may feel unexpected. But for younger audiences, the modern touches could make the story feel more immediate and relatable.
It’s clear the director wanted this film to feel emotionally raw rather than historically distant.
Wuthering Heights Story Explained – Love, Revenge and Obsession
At its core, the film follows the familiar structure of Brontë’s novel:
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Heathcliff is adopted into Catherine’s family
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They form a powerful childhood bond
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Social divisions and pride complicate their relationship
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Their love shifts from romantic to destructive
This adaptation highlights the transformation from innocence to obsession. What begins as companionship slowly turns into emotional chaos.
Themes explored include:
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Class difference
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Revenge
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Pride and ego
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Forbidden love
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Emotional isolation
The film doesn’t present their romance as pure or ideal. Instead, it shows how passion can turn intoxicating and even dangerous.
Inside the Cast and Team Making This Film
Beyond Robbie and Elordi, the film features:
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Hong Chau
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Shazad Latif
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Alison Oliver
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Martin Clunes
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Ewan Mitchell
With Fennell directing and Robbie producing, the film feels like a carefully shaped creative vision rather than a routine studio remake.
Because of its bold tone and stylistic risks, industry insiders are already calling it one of the most conversation-starting literary adaptations of 2026.
2026 Wuthering Heights Film Overview
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Will Audiences Love It or Reject It?
That is the real question.
Some viewers may appreciate the fresh, emotionally intense direction. Others who love the original novel might feel protective about the changes.
But one thing is clear — this is not a forgettable adaptation.
The film is likely to spark:
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Social media debates
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Book-to-film comparisons
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Think pieces about modernization of classics
And honestly, that conversation might be exactly what the filmmakers wanted.
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Source(Image / Thumbnail): timesofindia.indiatimes.com
