Wuthering Heights opens with a condemned man being aroused as he suffocates to death at the gallows, while a nun watches on, licking her lips. Emerald Fennell loves to shock her audiences with provocative imagery across her films. Although, unlike her last feature, Saltburn, there are fewer bodily fluids here and more gooey egg yokes and snail slime. From the outset, it’s clear exactly what her interpretation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel is going to be about, and it imbues every character and much of the imagery throughout: BDSM via the “pleasurable” pain of the leads’ unfulfilled romance. Presenting polarising material to play with as usual, she leaves it up to the audience to make of it what they will.

It’s an audacious and original take on a complex book that is regularly butchered and rarely adapted faithfully for the screen. But Fennell never set out to do the latter. After all, her film is literally called “Wuthering Heights” in quotation marks. The Oscar-winner’s version omits major characters entirely, and once again, the novel’s second generation has been entirely cut. No doubt Brontë purists will be up in arms, but for this writer-director, the story is a mere vehicle for an exploration of the obsessive pain of doomed love and enjoying it, leaving the judgement of its controversial themes down to the viewer.

For those unfamiliar with the source material, Wuthering Heights is a Gothic 18th century tragedy set on the Yorkshire moors. The story follows an orphan boy named Heathcliff, who is raised by the Earnshaw family and falls in love with their daughter, Cathy. For her anti-romantic leads, Fennell cast two previous collaborators: Margot Robbie, who produced her first two films and this one, and Jacob Elordi, who starred in Saltburn.

Robbie may be seven years older than Elordi and too old for her character, but is nonetheless very convincing as the chaotically immature and frivolous maiden. Meanwhile, the towering Heathcliffe star (who is rumoured to be in talks for the next James Bond) somewhat repeats the sullen, brooding outsider of the monster he’s Oscar-nominated for in Frankenstein, but is never quite as menacing or wild as the novel’s character. Nevertheless, he also gives a superb performance where you don’t just believe his unrequited love, you feel it. Together, they naturally accentuate a sensual chemistry of deeply convincing, all-consuming passion, confirming Fennell didn’t make a casting error despite initial concerns from fans.

As is the case across her films, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments amid the misery, with some wonderfully eccentric characters, including Martin Clunes as Cathy’s debt-ridden father. Additionally, the stylised sets and gorgeous, dreamy cinematography are a sight to behold. At 136 minutes, it does start to wane a bit in the third act, despite cutting half the story, and one big narrative change feels misjudged given the thematic focus. Nevertheless, it’s another impressive feat from Fennell, but maybe not the best date night movie for Valentine’s Day!

“Wuthering Heights” hits cinemas on February 13, 2026.

Period drama fans can now stream a ‘gorgeous’ film adapted from a beloved bestselling novel.

BBC iPlayer has recently added The Last Letter From Your Lover, based on the Jojo Moyes novel of the same name. Moyes is also the author behind the enormously popular romantic drama Me Before You, though fans may have overlooked her 2021 adaptation.

The film features an impressive ensemble including two-time Oscar nominee Felicity Jones, Divergent’s Shailene Woodley, Eternity actor Callum Turner and Nabhaan Rizwan, who recently starred in Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials.

The story follows determined journalist Ellie Haworth (Jones), who uncovers a collection of secret love letters from 1965 and becomes determined to reveal the forbidden relationship behind them.

She quickly discovers a passionate romance between the spouse of a wealthy industrialist (Woodley) and a financial journalist (Turner) tasked with reporting on her husband, reports the Mirror.

Whilst investigating the decades-old relationship, Ellie finds herself drawn into her own romantic tale with charming archivist Rory McCallan (Rizwan), who assists her in locating additional letters.

Whilst it failed to win over critics at release, the romantic drama remains warmly received by audiences. It secured a respectable 79% rating from Rotten Tomatoes viewers, whilst reviewers awarded it just a 55% score.

Offering their opinion, one viewer commented: “I never lost interest in the plot. The costumes and scenery were gorgeous. And I cried at the end. What more could you want? It’s a love story.”

Another viewer agreed: “Totally Fabulous. A captivating and mesmerising love story with heart-wrenching tragedies and uplifting triumphs, this film is a must-see.”

Meanwhile, a third fan expressed: “A truly remarkable love story which manages to tug at your heartstrings without overt drama, but with breath-taking style and extraordinary attention to detail.”

Lastly, one hesitant viewer confessed: “I was hesitant at first, I was not expecting anything impressive or out of the ordinary, but this film definitely proved me wrong.

“It’s both emotional and romantic but realistic and raw at the same time. In case you haven’t watched it yet, give it a shot, it’s worth it.”

The Last Letter From Your Lover is streaming now on BBC iPlayer