With Valentine’s Day upon us, the film adaptation of Wuthering Heights has hit theaters, ready to captivate audiences with the iconic romance of Cathy and Heathcliff.
While many fans of Emily Brontë will be eager to see how this classic novel is interpreted on screen, there is also significant interest in the film’s cast, particularly Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
Their chemistry has already caused quite a stir during their promotional tour, suggesting that many viewers will be drawn to the movie to see their dynamic play out.
And viewers will indeed witness intense passion.
Early critiques label the film as a ‘bodice-ripper.’ Reviewer Peter Travers notes the fervent scenes between the leads, describing them as ‘sucking each other’s faces’ with an intensity that would have ‘shocked Victorians,’ humorously adding: “No complaints here.”
The film has been termed ‘filthy’ by The Standard. During an interview on BBC Radio 1, Robbie mentioned that she and Elordi were aware of the film’s steamy nature, even giving one of the settings an X-rated nickname, though she didn’t disclose it on air.
While some viewers appreciate the bold scenes—Shawn Edwards from Fox 4 Kansas City calls it a ‘uniquely original masterpiece’—others feel that the plot gets overshadowed by its sensual elements.
Robbie spoke to British Vogue, defending the film by stating that Wuthering Heights is essentially ‘a big epic romance.’
“Everyone’s expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised,” she remarked before the film’s debut.
Robbie further elaborated: “Not to say there aren’t sexual elements and that it’s not provocative – it definitely is provocative – but it’s more romantic than provocative. This is a big epic romance. It’s just been so long since we’ve had one – maybe The Notebook, also The English Patient. You have to go back decades. It’s that feeling when your chest swells or it’s like someone’s punched you in the guts and the air leaves your body. That’s a signature of [director] Emerald’s. Whether it’s titillating or repulsion, her superpower is eliciting a physical response.”
Robbie acknowledged that reactions to adapting such a beloved novel vary, but she remains confident in the work, believing it will resonate with audiences despite differing opinions.