Wuthering Heights - the movie

 

Wuthering Heights...the movie.

My coworker Alexis told me I had to watch the new movie, Wuthering Heights.  She loved it.  It is a daring reimagining of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. I’m fairly certain I read the book many years ago, although the details have long since vanished. From what I do recall, this adaptation goes beyond simply retelling the story, offering a fresh, darker interpretation of the familiar tale.

Right out of the gate, I felt like the film was trying a little too hard to grab me and shake me awake. It opens with heavy breathing and strong sexual undertones before abruptly cutting to a man being hanged. There’s no gentle introduction, it throws you directly into the deep end. Honestly, I think I would have preferred the violence to stand on its own rather than layering it with additional shock and mystery.

That feeling lingered throughout much of the film. I went in expecting more of a gothic romance or period drama, but it leans far darker and more graphic than I anticipated. There were also a few scenes, particularly those involving animal slaughter and its accompanying sounds and imagery, that I personally could have done without. I understand the intent was to emphasize the harsh realities of life on the moors, but for me it crossed the line from effective atmosphere into excess.

That said, there was a lot I genuinely loved. The atmosphere was immersive, the mood was haunting, and the overall aesthetic was beautifully realized. The costumes were stunning, richly detailed and perfectly suited to the world the filmmakers created. And I have to mention Isabella, played by Alison Oliver, who completely stood out to me. Her performance felt natural, grounded, and emotionally authentic, drawing my attention every time she appeared on screen.

The film centers on the dysfunctional love story between Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and her brooding foster brother, Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). They are introduced as children, and surprisingly, I found myself more invested in the younger versions of the characters than their adult counterparts. Their performances carried a rawness and emotional honesty that really resonated.

As the story unfolds, Catherine marries Edgar (Shazad Latif), prompting Heathcliff to leave in a rage. Years later, he returns with a fortune of his own and a burning desire to either reclaim Catherine or get revenge. He stokes Catherine’s jealousy by turning his attention to Edgar’s impressionable young ward, Isabella, who delivers what I found to be the film’s strongest performance.

Heathcliff and Catherine are deeply flawed, selfish people who leave destruction in their wake. Their relationship creates a toxic cycle of obsession, love, cruelty, and revenge that ultimately consumes not only themselves but nearly everyone around them.

Despite the heavier moments that didn’t sit well with me, I still enjoyed the film’s atmosphere, visuals, and emotional intensity. I would recommend watching it, with the caveat that some scenes are particularly graphic and may not be for everyone.

What stayed with me most is this: Wuthering Heights is a beautiful film that sometimes hurts to look at, but perhaps that’s exactly what it intended to be.