The fresh adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is projected to earn $40 million over the four-day Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day weekend, according to box office estimates reported by Deadline.
The film has generated discussion, not solely for its romantic core, but also for its depiction of intense and, at times, explicit scenes. Page Six reported on scenes that were ultimately cut from the final release, focusing on a particularly intense sequence involving Elordi. The New York Times’ review of the film described Robbie’s performance as “amok on the moors,” suggesting a raw and unrestrained portrayal of Cathy Earnshaw.
The casting of Elordi as Heathcliff has also prompted debate, specifically regarding whether the adaptation constitutes a “whitewashing” of the character, a discussion raised by Norwegian broadcaster NRK. The original novel does not explicitly define Heathcliff’s ethnicity, leaving room for interpretation, but the casting choice has sparked conversation about representation and historical accuracy.
Recent promotional activity included a photoshoot in Sydney featuring Robbie and Elordi, where Robbie was photographed in a corset and distressed mini skirt, further fueling public interest and romantic speculation, as reported by the Daily Mail. Rumors of a “mutual obsession” between the two actors have circulated, as noted by BBC News, prompting a mixed reaction from fans.
Critics in Norway, as reported by Klassekampen, have expressed concerns that the film, as a whole, does not fully coalesce, suggesting a disconnect between individual elements and the overall narrative impact. Mental Floss offered context on the title itself, explaining that “wuthering” refers to turbulent weather, particularly strong winds, reflecting the wild and passionate nature of the story and the Yorkshire moors setting.