An Australian social media personality and self-described cultural commentator has launched a scathing critique against the meticulously orchestrated publicity campaign surrounding Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's forthcoming cinematic adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Kate Forster, posting a rant video to her Instagram account, expressed profound frustration with the Australian actors' promotional tactics, which she characterised as excessively polished and disingenuous.
A 'Slick' and Calculated Performance
In her viral video, Forster did not mince words. 'I'm gonna say it, I'm sorry people. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are annoying the s**t out of me,' the podcaster declared emphatically. She elaborated that the perceived deep bond between the co-stars, heavily emphasised during their media appearances, feels entirely manufactured for public consumption. 'Nothing about this pairing feels inevitable and doomed or unholy. It feels f**king slick,' she asserted, suggesting the authenticity of their on-screen chemistry is being undermined by overly rehearsed off-screen camaraderie.
Critique of 'Method-Dressing' and Styling
Forster specifically targeted Margot Robbie's red carpet fashion strategy, known as 'method-dressing,' where actors wear outfits inspired by their film roles. Robbie has prominently featured dramatic, gothic-inspired ensembles during the Wuthering Heights press tour, looks designed to evoke the film's mood rather than simply promote it. Forster dismissed this approach as a distraction. 'You've got Andrew Mukamal doing all the bloody, you know, styling for her. She's catting around in her Galliano and her knickers and her high boots. Oh, come the f**k on!' she groaned.
She argued that the stylistic effort feels more like a diversion than an immersive enhancement. 'No amount of archival gowns or method posing or sultry looks or giant necklaces from faraway lands can make this interesting to me,' Forster stated, summarising the campaign as 'a huge diversion.'
Overly-Affectionate Displays and Matching Symbols
The criticism extended to the actors' affectionate behaviour during interviews, including their matching rings and public declarations of a mutual 'obsession.' Forster found this insistence on their close bond particularly grating. 'What is really annoying to me is the insistence,' she explained, mimicking their promotions. ''Oh look at the matching rings we've got!', and, 'We can't live without each other on set!', and, 'Jacob filled my f**king dressing room with - I don't know - black roses by way of Nick Cage!' I don't know, it's all a bit weird,' she complained, questioning the authenticity of these orchestrated moments.
A Brutal Comparison and Marketing Fatigue
Perhaps her most pointed critique involved a comparison of Robbie's portrayal to the novel's iconic protagonist, Cathy Earnshaw. Forster claimed that singer Charli XCX embodies the character's essence more convincingly than Robbie, whom she derisively described as 'Margot by way of Pacific Fair shopping mall,' a reference to the retail centre on the Gold Coast where Robbie grew up.
Mocking the relentless nature of the film's marketing, Forster sarcastically speculated about future promotional products. 'I'm just waiting for them to bring out the his and her Wuthering Heights fragrances. 'More' for her and 'Swamp' for him. Jesus Christ.' She concluded her rant by stating her disinterest in viewing the film due to the promotional campaign itself. 'Anyway, will I watch this movie? Probably not, because it's already s**tting me, and that's my rant for the day.'
The new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is scheduled for release in Australian cinemas on February 12th, following a publicity tour that has now itself become a subject of public debate and scrutiny.
