The upcoming cinematic reimagining of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights is already generating intense buzz, largely centred on Margot Robbie's transformative and provocative portrayal of the heroine, Catherine Earnshaw. Director Emerald Fennell has revealed she was stunned by Robbie's performance, describing her Cathy as a 'recreational sadist' and a 'provocateur' who brings a disturbing new 'cruelty' to the iconic role.
A Provocative New Vision for a Classic
Fennell, known for her edgy filmmaking in projects like Saltburn, is at the helm of this 'steamy' adaptation, with Jacob Elordi starring as the brooding Heathcliff. In an interview with British Vogue, Fennell elaborated on her vision for Cathy, stating she needed an actress with undeniable, forgivable star power. 'Cathy is a star. She's wilful, mean, a recreational sadist, a provocateur. She engages in cruelty in a way that is disturbing and fascinating,' Fennell said.
She emphasised the challenge of casting, noting: 'It was about finding someone who you would forgive in spite of yourself... Margot comes with big d**k energy. That's what Cathy needs.' The film's trailer has already drawn significant headlines, priming audiences for a departure from traditional period romance.
Romance Over Raunch: Robbie's Perspective
Despite the pre-release talk of provocative content, Margot Robbie suggests the film's core is epic romance. 'Everyone's expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised,' she told Vogue. 'Not to say there aren't sexual elements... but it's more romantic than provocative. This is a big epic romance.'
Robbie admitted the film aims to fill a void for grand romantic stories, citing classics like The Notebook and The English Patient. She praised Fennell's directorial skill in eliciting a physical response from the audience. Robbie also shared that specific scenes with Elordi, such as one where Heathcliff lifts Cathy with one arm, left her 'feeling weak at the knees.' She added, 'This movie is primarily for people in our demographic. These epic romances and period pieces aren't often made by women.'
Controversy and Early Reactions
The production has not been without controversy, facing scrutiny over the casting of a teenage character and debates surrounding Heathcliff's described 'dark-skinned' appearance in the novel. The film has been framed as a stylised interpretation rather than a direct lift from the 1847 book.
According to a report from World of Reel, an early test screening in Dallas, Texas, received a mixed reaction. The film is said to feature 'intimate, clinical and purposefully discomforting' scenes, including a BDSM-inspired sequence using horse reins, with suggestive imagery throughout. The same report, however, praised the 'committed performances' and 'great chemistry' between Robbie and Elordi.
The film is scheduled for release on Valentine's Day next year, positioning itself as a intense, romantic epic for a modern audience. The full feature interview is available in the January issue of British Vogue, on newsstands from Tuesday 16th December.
