Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights has arrived in cinemas, starring Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. The film, described as “lush and lustful” by critics at Third Coast Review, marks a significant departure from previous interpretations of the classic novel, a choice Fennell has defended in recent interviews, according to Entertainment Weekly.
The new film is already generating discussion, with reviews noting Fennell’s willingness to make substantial changes to the source material, including the ending. The New York Times review describes Robbie’s performance as “amok on the moors,” although Vulture characterizes the adaptation as “smooth-brained.” However, some critics, like those at Third Coast Review, suggest the film struggles to maintain a strong connection to the core characterizations of Brontë’s original work.
Beyond the cinematic release, the cultural landscape offers a diverse range of entertainment options. A new documentary, It’s Never Over, explores the life and legacy of Jeff Buckley, focusing on his critically acclaimed album Grace and his untimely death, utilizing previously unseen archival footage. The film is currently in release.
Horror fans have a new offering with Whistle, a teen thriller centered around an ancient Aztec death whistle and its potentially dangerous consequences. Also now showing is The President’s Cake, a drama set in 1990s Iraq, depicting the challenges of baking a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein amidst economic sanctions. The film was Iraq’s submission for the international Oscar this year.
In the realm of live music, Tei Shi is currently on tour, performing in London, Manchester, and Dublin with material from her latest album, Make Believe I Make Believe. Lo-fi pop-rock band Wavves are also touring, beginning in Dublin and continuing through February 20th. London’s Cafe Oto hosts Matana Roberts, a saxophonist influenced by Albert Ayler, for a three-night season beginning February 20th. The London Handel Festival launched on February 18th with a performance of Handel’s oratorio Saul.
The art world features exhibitions of work by Yinka Shonibare at The Arc in Winchester, and Sean Scully at the Lisson Gallery in London, where Scully explores his relationship with the landscapes of Ireland. A joint exhibition of Lynda Benglis and Giacomoetti is currently on display at the Barbican in London, and the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh presents “Origin Stories,” an exploration of art schools in Scotland since 1826.
On stage, Sam Nicoresti’s award-winning reveal Baby Doomer continues its tour following a successful run in Edinburgh. Jim Cartwright’s play Road is being staged at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester, featuring a cast including Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Johnny Vegas and Lesley Joseph. Southwark Playhouse in London is hosting Miles, a performance blending live jazz and acting, focused on the creation of Miles Davis’s album Kind of Blue. The Ballet Icons Gala takes place at the London Coliseum on Sunday.
For those preferring to stay in, Prime Video has released the erotic thriller 56 Days, starring Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia. Netflix is streaming a six-part documentary series, Being Gordon Ramsay, following the chef’s latest culinary projects. BBC Four is airing The Darkest Web, a documentary about efforts to combat child abuse online, accompanied by a podcast series. Netflix also features a documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, examining the cultural appropriation and alleged abuse that occurred during the reality show’s run.
New game releases include Mario Tennis Fever for the Nintendo Switch and Reanimal, a cooperative horror game available on Xbox, PS5, PC, and Switch. New albums include Charli xcx’s soundtrack to the Wuthering Heights adaptation, Jill Scott’s To Whom This May Concern, Danny L Harle’s Cerulean, and Belvedere Kane’s resurrected 1990s album, Such Trying Times.
Listeners can uncover the podcast Safe to Drink, from New Hampshire Public Radio, examining water supply contamination, and a BBC Bitesize series led by Jacob Collier aimed at encouraging singing among 11- to 14-year-olds. BBC World Service will broadcast Sofia Bettiza’s documentary, following Greenlandic parents involved in controversial child custody cases, on February 19th.
