A storm of controversy is brewing on the moors as fans of Emily Brontë's classic novel Wuthering Heights have unleashed their fury over the first images from a bold new film adaptation. The primary target of their ire? The "hideous" and historically anarchic costumes, particularly a striking red dress worn by star Margot Robbie in her role as Cathy Earnshaw.
Fan Fury Over 'Plastic' Fashion Choices
The upcoming reimagining, directed by Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell and set for release on 13 February 2026, has already drawn comparisons to her previous work, Saltburn, for its perceived hypersexualised tone. However, it is the wardrobe that has truly ignited passion among purists. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism after images surfaced of Robbie in a glossy, red outfit fans described as a "latex" or "plastic" dress.
One disgruntled viewer on X wrote: "A lot of costumes in period movies are not historically accurate, but at least they make sense… This just looks random." Another exclaimed: "Are we deada**???!!! You’re trying to tell me this is the 1800s and not a Met Gala dress?" The consensus among many was summarised by a fan who stated the costumes were simply "AWFUL", regardless of historical fidelity.
Oscar-Winning Designer Hits Back
In defence of her vision, the film's costume designer, two-time Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran, has clarified the material and artistic intent behind the contentious look. Speaking to Vogue, Durran explained, "It’s actually not latex – it’s just an ultra shiny, synthetic, plasticised contemporary fabric."
She revealed that red is a key colour for Cathy throughout the film and that the use of shiny surfaces was a deliberate character motif. "We used this look in this scene because it was about combining the dress and the set in a really artificial and highly stylised way," Durran said, referencing a rubberised red floor on set. Crucially, she admitted the production made no attempt at historical accuracy, instead choosing clothes "we like for each character" in a deliberately confused timeline.
More Than Just Costumes Causing Shock
The sartorial debate is merely the tip of the iceberg for this provocative adaptation. Reports from an early screening in Dallas, Texas, indicated "largely mixed" audience reactions, with some visible restlessness. Critics and fans alike have expressed dismay over explicit content that diverges sharply from Brontë's original text, including a reportedly graphic opening scene.
One commentator argued online: "Wuthering Heights is not an erotic book at all. Cathy and Heathcliffe’s love is minimally sexual at best; she is doing this purely for shock factor…" Another viral critique dismissed the film's aesthetic as "Instagram aesthetics playing dress-up," far removed from the novel's gothic romance roots.
With a soundtrack by pop icon Charli XCX, the film is clearly positioning itself as a modern, disruptive take on a beloved classic. Whether it will be embraced as a daring reinterpretation or rejected as a step too far will be revealed when it arrives in cinemas next month.
