Pop powerhouse Charli XCX has treated her millions of followers to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a haunting new music video. The track, titled 'House', is set to feature in the highly anticipated and reportedly racy film adaptation of Emily Bronte's classic novel, Wuthering Heights.
A Precious Collaboration
Released in collaboration with John Cale, the 83-year-old co-founder of the legendary band The Velvet Underground, the song promises to be a standout piece. The 33-year-old Grammy Award winner took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a series of candid snaps from the video shoot, captioning the post with heartfelt enthusiasm for the project.
She described the filming day as 'precious', expressing her deep love for both the song and the resulting video. The images reveal a strong gothic aesthetic, perfectly aligning with the dark romanticism of Wuthering Heights. In one striking photo, Charli is seen embracing creative director Imogene Strauss while wearing a beautiful lilac purple gothic-style dress.
Eerie Visuals and Legendary Partnership
The behind-the-scenes gallery offers a fascinating peek into the video's production. One picture captures Charli and the iconic John Cale walking side-by-side on set, both wrapped in long coats against what appears to be a chilly backdrop. Further glimpses, shown on monitors, depict the singer in a black lace dress, crawling across a bed with her wild curls flowing freely.
Another monitor shot shows an extreme close-up of Charli with her hair obscuring her face, effectively channelling the song's eerie and atmospheric tone. The pop star also shared a more playful moment, pulling an exaggerated shocked face for the camera alongside crew members.
Charli explained the unique origin of the collaboration, revealing that she initially reached out to Cale for his opinion on some of her music. The connection was instant, with the singer describing his voice as both 'elegant' and 'brutal'. Their discussions eventually led to Cale recording a poem for the track, a moment so powerful it moved Charli to tears.
A Stylised and Depraved Adaptation
The new Wuthering Heights film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is scheduled for a Valentine's Day release next year. Directed by Emerald Fennell, fresh from the success of Saltburn, this adaptation is not expected to be a faithful retelling. Reports suggest it will lean heavily into the 'stylised depravity' for which the director is known.
This tone was seemingly confirmed after test screenings, where attendees were reportedly shocked by the film's jaw-dropping opening scene. The controversial sequence is said to feature a public hanging with a graphically depraved twist, setting the stage for a bold and modern take on the 19th-century literary masterpiece.
