There is a common misconception – especially among those who haven’t read Wuthering Heights – that Emily Brontë wrote one of the greatest romance novels of all time.
But for those who have fallen victim to this belief, please take heed that ‘misconception’ is exactly the right word.
Instead, Wuthering Heights can best be described as a gothic tragedy.
Intense, unsettling and emotionally raw – it is a dark tale full of unrequited love, destructive obsession, fierce desire, wildness and danger – where passion is less about tenderness, and far more about torment.
Now, I’ve always admired Emily Brontë – her extraordinary craft, fascinating personal life, and quiet defiance of societal norms have all always intrigued me – and I love Wuthering Heights for what is a truly dark, gothic masterpiece – NOT a conventional romance.
And after naming it as one of the BookTok titles that I believe is absolutely worth the hype it gets, I couldn’t resist going to the cinema to watch the new screen adaptation.
And, I have to say that I still loved the film.
I’ve heard plenty of recent criticism suggesting that the plot strays too far from Emily’s original narrative, but when I received it as a standalone piece of cinema, I felt that it was beautifully made – a quality, compelling, atmospheric and thoroughly enjoyable film.
I loved the way Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi interpreted Cathy and Heathcliff. Where Robbie encompassed the spoilt, attention-seeking female lead with a sharp edge of vulnerability, and Elordi captured Heathcliff’s rough, sadistic and brooding persona. Together, they managed to honour the spirit of the original characters – while still bringing something fresh and distinctive to their portrayals.
The glamourous fashion and architecture of the Linton house was just as I would have imagined – successfully reflecting Cathy’s consumerist and materialist nature. In contrast, I believe the incorporation of the windswept moors were set perfectly, enhancing the wildness of Heathcliff’s nature, and grounding the story in that bleak, gothic atmosphere that defines it.
I also loved the bespoke soundtrack by Charlie XCX, which I felt nicely paired with the visuals and brought a modern, emotional depth and texture to the screen – without overpowering its period setting.
So, if you’re looking for a rather raunchy, somewhat sinful and arguably ahead-of-it’s-time period drama, I would definitely recommend giving this one a watch!
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