Early Buzz for Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights Adaptation Hails a 'God-Tier Classic'
Social media in Los Angeles is ablaze with fervent reactions following an exclusive early screening of Emerald Fennell's highly anticipated cinematic take on Emily Brontë's timeless novel, Wuthering Heights. Despite official review embargoes remaining firmly in place until next Monday, a wave of impassioned online commentary has already begun to shape the narrative around this bold reinterpretation.
Rapturous Reviews Praise Intensity and Chemistry
Initial responses have been overwhelmingly effusive, with critics and viewers alike reaching for superlatives to describe the film's visceral impact. Film journalist Courtney Howard set the tone, labelling the production "intoxicating, transcendent, and hypnotic". In a detailed assessment, Howard proclaimed it "expertly captures the breathtaking ache and essence of desire", ultimately declaring it "a god-tier new classic" destined for the annals of cinematic history.
Another early viewer echoed this sentiment, describing the film as an "enthralling and exquisite" spectacle. Their analysis focused on the raw emotional core, calling it "a beautiful mess of passion, destruction, lust, revenge and unhinged behaviour". The commentary concluded with a provocative invitation: "Throw the book away and step into the madness of undeniable chemistry and explosive toxic desire."
Box Office Prospects and Cinematic Scale
Industry veterans are predicting significant commercial success for the adaptation. Veteran film writer Anne Thompson forecast that the film "will open well and soar at the box office", characterising it as "a rip-roaring, bodice-ripping crowd pleaser". Thompson highlighted the performances of leads Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, suggesting both actors will emerge from the project with enhanced reputations. She also praised Fennell's directorial vision, noting the "garish visuals and unrestrained direction" where "everything is BIG".
Box office analyst Scott Mendelson concurred, stating simply that the film "rocks". He commended its "big-budget production value and cinematic style", qualities he feels are sometimes taken for granted in contemporary cinema. Mendelson added that beyond the spectacle, the film "works on its own terms as a nuanced romantic tragedy".
Minor Critiques Amidst the Acclaim
Not all feedback was without reservation. Reviewer Brandon Norwood suggested the runtime felt "a tad too long", a minor critique in an otherwise glowing response. He reserved particular praise for the central pairing, stating Robbie and Elordi are "explosive together" with chemistry that "leaps off the screen". Norwood left no doubt about the film's tone, emphasising: "And yeah it's hot. It's horny."
Controversy Surrounds Creative Liberties
Despite the early acclaim, Fennell's adaptation has not been without controversy, drawing scepticism from Brontë purists and some cultural commentators. Points of contention include the film's anachronistic approach to costume design, its apparent embrace of BDSM themes, and specific casting decisions.
The casting of 35-year-old Margot Robbie as the teenage Cathy and white actor Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff—a character traditionally interpreted as being of Romany origin—has sparked particular debate regarding age appropriateness and racial representation.
Director Defends Her Vision
Emerald Fennell has robustly defended her creative choices. Addressing the thematic elements, she pointed to the source material, stating, "There's an enormous amount of sado-masochism in this book. There's a reason people were deeply shocked by it." She framed her version as a personal interpretation, one of many possible takes on the enduring story.
"The great thing about this movie is that it could be made every year and it would still be so moving and so interesting," Fennell remarked. "There are so many different takes. I think every year we should have a new one." This perspective positions her film not as a definitive version, but as a vibrant, contemporary entry in the ongoing conversation around Brontë's classic.
The film is scheduled for a global release on 13 February, promising to bring this passionate, debated, and highly anticipated adaptation to audiences worldwide.
