Echoes on the Yorkshire Moors: Wuthering Heights' First Reviews Reveal a Polarizing Fever Dream
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The mists have finally cleared over Emerald Fennell’s latest cinematic gamble, and the Wuthering Heights' first reviews suggest a production that is as stormy and divisive as the source material itself.
Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, this 2026 "reimagining" has officially landed, sparking a firestorm of critical debate following its high-profile premieres at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and in London’s Leicester Square.
While some critics hail it as a "god-tier new classic" with intoxicating visuals, others have labeled it a "hollow misinterpretation" that leans too heavily into modern aesthetics.
What is the critical consensus on the Robbie and Elordi chemistry in Wuthering Heights' First Reviews?
Early reactions are largely unified on one front: the scorching screen presence of the lead duo.
Critics have described the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi as "sizzling" and "visceral," noting that the film prioritizes the raw, destructive nature of their bond over traditional Victorian restraint.
Robbie, who also produced the film via LuckyChap Entertainment, has been praised for bringing a "star power" to Cathy that Fennell describes as "big dick energy."
Meanwhile, Elordi’s Heathcliff is being framed as a "hard smack" of a performance, drawing comparisons to a younger, more feral Daniel Day-Lewis.
How does Emerald Fennell’s vision differ from the original Brontë novel?
Fennell has notably stylized the film’s title with quotation marks—"Wuthering Heights"—to signal that this is a specific, subjective version of the story rather than a literal adaptation.
The film reportedly focuses on the first half of the novel, aging up the characters to make them more accountable for their "bad choices." Expect a heavy dose of Fennell’s signature "provocative" style, featuring a soundtrack by Charli XCX and cinematography by Linus Sandgren that utilizes 35mm VistaVision to create what some call a "fever dream of love and rage."
Are there significant controversies surrounding the casting and production?
The production has not been without its share of "online chatter." The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff—a character described by Emily Brontë as "dark-skinned"—sparked accusations of whitewashing during the pre-release phase.
Additionally, the choice of the 35-year-old Robbie to play a character who is a teenager for much of the book raised eyebrows. However, the film’s casting director and Fennell have defended these choices as artistic "reimaginings" designed to capture the "primal response" of the text rather than historical or literal accuracy.
"Wuthering Heights" 2026: Vital Statistics and Review Highlights
Feature | Details and Critical Notes |
Director/Writer | Emerald Fennell (Saltburn, Promising Young Woman) |
Lead Cast | Margot Robbie (Cathy), Jacob Elordi (Heathcliff) |
Release Date | February 13, 2026 (Valentine’s Day Weekend) |
Cinematography | Linus Sandgren; shot on 35mm VistaVision |
Music/Soundtrack | Score by Anthony Willis; original songs by Charli XCX |
Primary Critic Praise | "Sumptuous visuals," "god-tier classic," "intoxicating chemistry" |
Primary Critic Critique | "Dull and tame in substance," "misinterpretation of source," "vanilla" |
MPA Rating | R (Sexual content, violence, and language) |
Some Closing Thoughts
Whether you view it as a bold masterpiece or a stylized misfire, there is no denying that the Wuthering Heights first reviews have positioned this film as the first "must-see" cultural event of 2026.
By blending the gothic gloom of the Yorkshire Dales with a modern, "spicy" sensibility, Fennell has ensured that the legend of Cathy and Heathcliff remains as hauntingly relevant as ever.
As audiences prepare to flock to IMAX theaters this Valentine’s Day, the only certainty is that this is a version of the moors you have never seen before.
So, are you excited for Wuthering Heights? Let us know in the comments section down below!
