Yet another film adaptation of a classical novel hit the theaters when “Wuthering Heights” was released on February 13, 2026. It is safe to say the Mounties are freaking out.
“Wuthering Heights” is a classic novel by Charlotte Brontë. The 2026 film was written and directed by Emerald Fennell. It took place in the Yorkshire moors of England, giving the film a misty and almost eerie setting.
“Wuthering Heights” is a romantic drama that follows the tumultuous love story between Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi).
The film begins with Catherine (Charlotte Mellington) as a young girl living with her alcoholic father (Martin Clunes) in their cottage, Wuthering Heights. They adopt a young orphan whom Catherine names Heathcliff (Owen Cooper), after her late brother.
After growing up together, Catherine and Heathcliff develop complex feelings for one another.
One night, after overhearing a conversation between Catherine and her paid companion, Nelly (Hong Chau), Heathcliff runs away, leaving Catherine devastated.
She then chooses to marry her wealthy neighbor Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), beginning an apathetic marriage.
After many years, Heathcliff returns and purchases Wuthering Heights. His return reignites old feelings and begins their passionate yet tragic love story.
Many Mount students are raving about the film.
Audrey Menichello, junior, said, ”I loved it. I didn’t know what to expect and I definitely didn’t expect to leave the theater crying.”
Charli Schoen ‘27, junior, added, ”Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie had such great chemistry and really stayed in character.”
Everything ranging from the chemistry to the music are why the Mount students loved “Wuthering Heights.”
They also fell in love with the aesthetic of the film.
It was set in the misty Moors, giving an almost eerie feeling. The Linton home gave an unsettling vibe too, as Catherine’s bedroom walls were modeled off of her skin. There were also many obscure details like sculptures of hands holding candles along the same wall, enlarged strawberries, and fish inside of a substance similar to Jello.
Aside from this, the costumes were beautiful. Margot Robbie wore classic Victorian dresses with corsets and big skirts, stunning the audience. There was also an emphasis on hair ribbons and bows, which can be relatable for teenage girls today, as bows have made a comeback.
However, the detail that got the most compliments was the soundtrack, which is an entire album created by pop artist Charli XCX. Songs like “Chains of Love” and “Dying For You” went viral after the release of Wuthering Heights.
Charli XCX was an interesting choice given the time period. 1800’s women certainly were not having a Brat summer, but most Mounties agree that the soundtrack was the best part of the film.
Sophia Martin ‘27, junior, said: ”I thought it was really good. I really loved it. I think it really added to the movie.”
Although many people were astounded by the film, critics argue that it did not stay faithful to the original novel.
Grace McMonagle ‘27, junior, says, ”I thought the movie ruined the integrity of the book and the point of the book. I thought it was disrespectful to the Bronte sister’s memory. I thought it took away a lot of the social commentary.”
However, Emerald Fennell said it is not supposed to be the exact same as the novel.
“…I can’t say I’m making Wuthering Heights…What I can say is I’m making a version of it. There’s a version that I remembered reading that isn’t quite real….where I wanted stuff to happen that never happened. And so it is ‘Wuthering Heights’, and it isn’t.”, Fennell says.
Whether viewers loved the adaptation or hated its departure from the novel, “Wuthering Heights” has undeniably introduced a new generation of students to gothic romance and sparked debate about what modern literary adaptations should look like. Wuthering Heights is now officially released to the public and on HBO Max. If you are interested in classical era works, gothic romance, or even just Jacob Elordi, then this film may be for you.
