Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights Adaptation Ignites Controversy with 'Hyper-Sexualised' Approach
Emerald Fennell has sharply divided critics with her latest cinematic venture, a provocative new adaptation of Emily Bronte's timeless classic, Wuthering Heights. The film, which features Margot Robbie in a latex dress as Cathy and Jacob Elordi frequently shirtless as Heathcliffe, has been branded a 'hyper-sexualised' reinterpretation of the gothic novel. Fennell, the director, has openly stated her intention to honour the 'primal, sexual' elements she perceived in the original story, resulting in a loose adaptation that pushes creative boundaries.
Content Warnings and Erotic Imagery Stir Debate
Despite Margot Robbie's assertion that the film is 'more romantic than provocative', it has not escaped scrutiny, receiving a 'severe' content warning in the sex and nudity category on IMDB. The provocative scenes, while undeniably erotic, are not explicit; instead, they rely heavily on implication. Audiences are treated to loud moans and intense writhing between characters, with heavy petting depicted through kissing and licking of fingers and necks, all while the actors remain clothed.
A particularly racy montage showcases Cathy and Heathcliffe in various intimate clinches as they cavort in bed, in a carriage, and across the moors. Additionally, a prolonged scene simulates masturbation by Robbie's Cathy, with Elordi's Heathcliffe watching on with palpable desire. The BDSM themes, highlighted by Alison Oliver's character Isabella Linton wearing a dog collar and acting in submission, are presented as disturbing rather than sexual, feeding into the film's overarching theme of toxic love.
Unconventional Eroticism and Meticulous Detail
Notably, many of the 'erotic' moments centre around inanimate objects rather than direct human interaction. Lingering shots capture fervent fingers caressing egg yolks, penetrating jellied fish mouths, and sensually gutting a pig. These scenes were far from incidental; Margot Robbie revealed that Fennell tested approximately 50 different fish before selecting one for the jellied fish scene, driven by a desire for 'the exact right sound and consistency'.
Historical Context and Director's Defence
While the 2026 release of Wuthering Heights may not be the raunchiest film of the year, it marks a significant departure from its tamer predecessors. In comparison, the 2011 movie starring Kaya Scodelario and James Howson, and the 2009 TV adaptation with Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley, are rated 'moderate' for sex and nudity. The 1970 version with Anna Calder-Marshall and Timothy Dalton is dubbed 'mild', while the 1992 film featuring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes and the 1939 classic with Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier have no references to sex or nudity at all.
Emerald Fennell has defended her bold interpretation, explaining that it reflects her teenage reading of the novel. She told The Guardian, 'There’s an enormous amount of sadomasochism in this book. There’s a reason people were deeply shocked by it [when it was published].' She described the filmmaking process as a 'masochistic exercise', driven by her deep love for the source material.
Cast Perspectives and Target Audience
Margot Robbie downplayed the film's eroticism in an interview with British Vogue, stating, 'Everyone’s expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised.' She emphasised that while the film is provocative, it prioritises romance, describing it as a 'big epic romance' designed to elicit physical responses like chest swelling or gut punches. Robbie noted that she and Fennell often discussed what they found 'hot or exciting or sexy', agreeing that it extended beyond sex scenes to moments like Heathcliffe picking up Cathy with one arm or sheltering her from the rain.
Robbie added, 'It almost made me weak at the knees... This movie is primarily for people in our demographic. These epic romances and period pieces aren’t often made by women.' This highlights the film's aim to resonate with a contemporary, primarily female audience in their 30s.
Fennell's Track Record and Industry Impact
Emerald Fennell has cemented her reputation for pushing erotic boundaries in cinema, notably with her 2023 film Saltburn, which featured graphic scenes that left audiences shocked. She has addressed criticism of her work, suggesting that some of the 'rage and fury' directed at her stems from her being a 'female writer', while admitting she enjoys 'making people squirm'. On a podcast, she reflected, 'It's exposing for all of us... I really do not set out to make things that are divisive, it's really not an intention but it seems that they have been.'
Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release in cinemas on February 13, promising to continue Fennell's legacy as a filmmaker unafraid to challenge conventions and provoke discussion.
