Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, arrives in cinemas on February 13, 2026. The film, described as a “radical revamp” of the classic gothic romance, has already generated discussion for its stylistic choices and departures from the source material.
Fennell, who won an Academy Award for Original Screenplay for 2020’s Promising Young Woman, presents a version of the story that prioritizes a visceral, emotionally charged experience. The film reportedly omits the second half of Brontë’s novel, focusing instead on the intense and destructive relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. According to reports, the adaptation “sexes things up to the max,” incorporating elements not explicitly present in the original text.
Margot Robbie portrays the adult Catherine Earnshaw, even as Jacob Elordi takes on the role of Heathcliff. The film traces their connection from childhood – with Owen Cooper and Charlotte Mellington playing the younger versions of the characters – through to a passionate and tumultuous adulthood. The narrative follows Heathcliff’s arrival at Wuthering Heights after being rescued by Mr. Earnshaw (Martin Clunes) and the subsequent development of his bond with Catherine. The story then depicts Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) for financial security, and Heathcliff’s subsequent departure and eventual return as a wealthy and transformed man.
The adaptation also reimagines the role of Nelly Dean, the narrator in Brontë’s novel. In Fennell’s version, Nelly (played by Hong Chau) is a woman of colour, the illegitimate child of a lord, initially positioned as Catherine’s companion before being relegated to the role of a servant. This change, according to reviews, is intended to address concerns about the potential whitewashing of Heathcliff’s character, whose ambiguous racial identity is a significant aspect of the original novel. However, the casting of Elordi, who is Caucasian, as Heathcliff, alongside Latif as Edgar Linton, has also drawn scrutiny for potentially creating further inconsistencies.
The film’s aesthetic is described as visually striking, with lavish production design and a soundtrack featuring Charli xcx. Reviews highlight a “Saltburn-esque parody of upper-class twits” in the portrayal of the Linton family, with Alison Oliver’s performance as Isabella Linton receiving particular praise. The adaptation also reportedly includes explicit romantic scenes, including elements of BDSM, pushing the boundaries of the source material’s restraint.
Despite its departures from the novel, reviews suggest Fennell’s adaptation remains faithful to the core themes of passion, destructiveness, and the complexities of love. Robbie and Elordi are praised for their performances, with Robbie described as bringing “sparkling charisma” to the role of Catherine and Elordi effectively capturing Heathcliff’s gruff Yorkshire accent. Chau’s performance as Nelly is also noted for its restraint and simmering intensity.
The film is expected to provoke debate among fans of the novel, with its bold choices and stylistic flourishes likely to divide audiences. Fennell herself has acknowledged the impossibility of creating a “perfect adaptation,” emphasizing her own personal connection to the source material and her desire to capture its emotional depth on screen.
