(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
From director Emerald Fennell, the acclaimed filmmaker behind "Promising Young Woman," comes a new adaptation of "Wuthering Heights." The highly anticipated film, written and directed by Fennell, is set to hit theaters next week, just in time for Valentine's Day. Warner Bros. Pictures recently hosted early screenings for media and critics, lifting the embargo on initial reactions. Across social media, first-hand reviews from critics in both the UK and US have been overwhelmingly positive.
Critics shared their thoughts online, with many praising the film as a new classic that is intoxicating, otherworldly, seductive, and mesmerizing, perfectly capturing the suffocating pain and essence of desire. The cinematography by Linus Sandgren was highlighted as dazzling, and Suzie Davies' production design was called incredibly beautiful.
Early reactions lauded Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" as a passionate and suspenseful story. The chemistry and sexual tension between Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi were described as scorching hot, reaching new heights. Reviewers noted that only Fennell could so thoroughly subvert this classic, making it intoxicating and captivating. The film's exquisite craftsmanship, from costumes to cinematography and production design, was also highly praised.
Many predicted a strong opening weekend and sustained box office success for "Wuthering Heights," calling it a celebratory, hot, and audience-conquering masterpiece. Both Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie's performances are expected to receive widespread acclaim, with audiences reportedly captivated by Emerald Fennell's dazzling visuals and unrestrained directorial style, describing the entire experience as monumental.
Additional reactions described "Wuthering Heights" as a beautifully chaotic blend of passion, destruction, desire, revenge, and madness. The film was noted for departing from the original source material to delve into an unstoppable chemistry and overwhelming, toxic desire. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's performances were highlighted as captivating, with the overall production deemed absolutely well-crafted.
Critics shared their first impressions online:
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
The film's cast features Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw, Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, breakout child star Owen Cooper from the acclaimed Netflix mini-series "Adolescence", Alison Oliver (who previously collaborated with Fennell on the Amazon film "Saltburn"), and Oscar-nominated Hong Chau, among others.
Robbie previously produced Fennell's first two features, "Promising Young Woman" and "Saltburn". Fennell also made a cameo appearance as the pregnant Barbie, Midge, in Robbie's "Barbie". For this new film, Robbie continues her producing role through LuckyChap, the production company she co-founded.