This bright erotic reimagining lacks the necessary darkness of the original classic

Allow me to put this at the forefront; as a lover of different forms of storytelling with an English degree (I’m more into the comprehension side than grammar side, so excuse my typos), it didn’t bother me much that this movie wasn’t intended to be true to the original book. I actually quite enjoy a good reimagining, and I am not always a “book purist” when it comes to film adaptations. With that being said, if you are a book purist you need to stay far away from this Wuthering Heights remake.

How Was the Movie?

‘Wuthering Heights’ is actually a decent watch if you don’t know anything about the original story. On the surface, it’s a familiar love story of a rich girl and poor boy set during a period where women and poor people have little to no rights. Are you thinking about The Notebook? Kinda, but not quite. This is much steamier and more toxic. If you’re thinking of Bridgerton, then you’re getting closer.

And you know what? I love that about this adaptation. I like the toxicity and the sultry story. Unfortunately for me, this film felt more sultry than toxic. What can I say, I love dark stuff and that's part of what intrigued me about the original Gothic romance.

For some people it may be a good thing that this is essentially more of a tragic romance. If you are looking for something more on the lines of Romeo and Juliet, then you have it.

I think the ball was dropped overall with Heathcliff's character arc and portrayal. Jacob Elordi is great; I enjoy his work and yes he is a heartthrob. However, I will touch a bit on the controversy of him being cast for this role.

The vision for this adaption of Wuthering Heights appears to be almost purely romantic and sexual. The possessiveness and obsession between Cat and Heathcliff does come into play, but it doesn’t get as dark as the original story. I know, I said that I don’t mind adaptations that aren’t “by the book,” but I can’t help but notice the lack of potential here.

The opening of the movie, and other particular scenes, play with the idea of “this is going to get really dark,” but it doesn’t pay off; and because of that, I went from potentially loving this movie to just liking it.

Also, going back to the controversy of Healthcliff’s casting, if a man of color closer to the “Gipsy” description of the original story would’ve been cast instead, then this romance would’ve carried more depth. I find it very interesting that Shazad Latif was cast to play Edgar’s character when he was actually more fitting to play Heathcliff. In fact, there honestly could’ve been a direct switch between Heathcliff’s and Edgar’s casting, instead of Jacob’s being given a gold tooth and hoop earring to pass off his “Gipsy” background.

Best Parts About the Movie?

The Style:

I knew from the moment that I watched the trailer that I was going to fall in love with the style of this film. This is the third movie that I have liked by director Emerald Fennell so it’s safe to say that I may be a fan, since she has only directed three films.

Cinematographer Linus Sandgren completely blew me away with the eye popping deep rich colors and camerawork. I was fortunate enough to get the full beautiful experience in an AMC Dolby Cinema theater, and I was completely blown away. The set designs, the costumes, the scenery….it was a feast for the eyes.

The Eroticism :

In this version, Catherine and Heathcliff want each other BAD. So bad to the point that I truly question if it was actual love or just obsession. The sensual scenes aren’t just between Cat and Heathcliff however, and some of it does get a bit weird…in particular the opening scene. Still, it’s refreshing to see these period stories not be so coy and show that people have been seductive beings for centuries.

Is This Movie for You?

I already mentioned earlier that if you are a book purist, and/or don’t like reimaginings, then you need to just stay away from this version of Wuthering Heights. This is a tragic romance at best, that lacks the Gothic essence of the original story.

The bright colors and gorgeous takes are beautiful to look at, but the film doesn’t feature the necessary darkness in Heathcliff (pun intended) and the overall story to make it a comparable Classic like the original text.

-A. Monique

“Wuthering Heights” is Visually Stunning, but Looks Aren’t Everything