Wuthering Heights— What is the cost of love?

Wuthering Heights— the most anticipated movie of the year, perfectly suited for a dramatic Galentine’s night. Based on the classic novel by Emily Brontë, it follows an intense, destructive love story set on the Yorkshire moors. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film centers on the tense relationship between Heathcliff, a dark and brooding figure driven by love (played by Jacob Elordi), and Catherine Earnshaw, an obsessive and passionate lover (played by Margot Robbie).

The film begins with Heathcliff and Catherine as children. Heathcliff is taken in by Catherine’s father but is subjected to physical violence and mistreatment. Despite this, their bond is playful and deeply sentimental; they joke, prank each other, and cling to one another. In one emotional scene, Heathcliff insists he’ll endure punishment if it means protecting Catherine, setting the tone for their intense loyalty early on.

As they grow older, the arrival of the Linton family changes everything. Catherine becomes increasingly aware of her family’s financial instability. With her father portrayed as a drunk gambling addict, she feels pressured to secure a future through marriage. This desperation pushes her toward the Lintons, especially Edward (played by Shazad Latif), whose wealth represents stability.

Throughout this shift, the tension between Catherine and Heathcliff lingers. They clearly love each other, but neither can fully admit it. Catherine suppresses her feelings, repeatedly rejecting Heathcliff even when she doesn’t want to. Confiding in her housekeeper Nelly (played by Hong Chau), she tells Catherine it’s for the best. Ultimately, she chooses to marry Edward Linton despite being in love with someone else. Heartbroken, Heathcliff disappears without a word and isn’t seen again for years.

Now living as a wealthy wife, Catherine is surrounded by luxury and status, yet she can’t escape thoughts of Heathcliff. When he unexpectedly returns, their reunion is cherished but uneasy. It’s not the romantic rekindling either imagined— it’s tense, awkward, and filled with resentment. They push each other emotionally, saying things just to provoke a reaction. Their jealousy only fuels their obsession, leading to a secretive but passionate affair neither of them can resist.

Eventually, guilt catches up with Catherine. Torn between desire and duty and now pregnant with Edward’s child, she ends the affair. They both spiral in response, consumed by the belief that they still belong together, however Catherine does so within closed doors, while Heathcliff puts on a show, desperate to draw attention.

Visually, the film is striking. The costuming is phenomenal; rich colors, layered textures, and bold shapes that catch your eye in nearly every scene. That said, some of Catherine’s wardrobe feels more modernized than historically grounded, occasionally drifting into something almost too theatrical. Still, it adds to the film’s emotional tone.

The cinematography feels intentional and precise. Wide, moody landscape shots emphasize isolation, often placing a single character at the center of the frame to heighten emotional focus. The colors constantly shift between pale greys and blues when they are outside in the Heights and bright, deep colors when they are indoors. The intimate close-ups lean heavily into touch and sensory detail, pulling the audience directly into the characters’ tension. The sound design complements this well, with instrumentals that intensify pivotal encounters and keep the atmosphere charged. The film also incorporates modern, trendy soundtracks, such as the 2025 hit “House” by Charli xcx.

I can see why some viewers might not love this adaptation. It doesn’t strictly follow the novel and leans into a more extravagant, stylized interpretation. But honestly, that risk feels intentional. Instead of trying to replicate the original scene by scene, it reframes the story through a more modern emotional lens.

At its core, Wuthering Heights explores the destructive nature of obsession. It’s messy, dramatic, and often uncomfortable, but that’s the point. It reminds you that love isn’t always soft or romanticized. Sometimes it’s consuming, irrational, and impossible to let go of. The raw tension between Elordi and Robbie really carries that weight, making the story feel less like a traditional romance and more like a slow-burning emotional storm.