Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights has finally been unveiled to members of the film press, and early reactions suggest Warner Bros. may have a major hit on its hands. Ahead of its February 13 release, critics are calling the film a lush, provocative reimagining of Emily Brontë’s literary classic — one that leans unapologetically into desire, obsession and raw emotion.
From its sweeping visuals to its feverish performances, Wuthering Heights is being described as a “bodice-ripping crowd-pleaser” that combines prestige filmmaking with an unmistakably modern edge. Much of the early praise has focused on the electric chemistry between Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, whose pairing is already being touted as one of the year’s
most talked-about screen romances.
Critics Call Emerald Fennell’s Film a ‘God-Tier New Classic’
Film critic Courtney Howard was among the first to share her reaction, hailing Fennell’s version as nothing short of extraordinary. Posting on X, she described the film as “a god-tier new classic.”
“Intoxicating, transcendent, tantalizing, bewitching, lust worthy, hypnotic,” Howard wrote. “Expertly captures the breathtaking ache & essence of desire. [Linus] Sandgren’s cinematography, spellbinding. [Suzie] Davies’ production design, sublime.”
Variety senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay echoed that enthusiasm, calling the film a “scorching hot twisted tale” and singling out its lead stars. She praised the Robbie–Elordi pairing as “a whole other level of HOT!”
“Only Emerald could take a classic, turn it on its head, make you fall completely in lust, and then utterly destroy your soul,” Tangcay wrote. “An exquisite spectacle of craftsmanship that left me salivating over the costumes, cinematography and production design. Obsessively in love with it.”
Box Office Buzz and a Primal Love Story
Several critics are already predicting strong commercial prospects for the erotic period drama. Entertainment writer Scott Menzel wrote on X that Wuthering Heights is “destined to be a massive hit for Warner Bros.” and suggested it could cement Fennell’s status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after filmmakers.
“A breathtaking visual work of art,” Menzel wrote, adding that the film feels poised to be a major awards contender. He also spotlighted Elordi’s performance, writing, “The sexual tension and chemistry between Margot Robbie and Elordi is so intense you can practically cut it with a knife.”
IndieWire editor Anne Thompson shared a similar outlook, predicting the film “will open well and soar at the box office,” praising its “rip-roaring” energy and “unrestrained direction.”
Based on the 1847 novel by Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights follows the forbidden romance between Robbie’s Cathy and Elordi’s Heathcliff. The ensemble cast includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell, with original music by Charli xcx.
Fennell has previously said her goal was to recreate the visceral impact the novel had on her. “I wanted to make something that made me feel like I felt when I first read it,” she said. “It’s, like, primal, sexual.”
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