The on-screen chemistry between Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights is reportedly mirrored by an intense off-camera professional bond that has sparked both admiration and scepticism. Their series of effusive public compliments about one another has led some observers to question whether the behaviour constitutes a genuine connection or a carefully orchestrated promotional effort for the film.
An Awkward Premiere Moment Under The Microscope
This speculation reached a new level following the film's premiere afterparty, where a group photograph featuring Robbie, Elordi, and Robbie's husband, Tom Ackerley, alongside producer Josey McNamara and director Emerald Fennell, captured significant attention. Body language expert Judi James, speaking to the Daily Mail, provided a detailed analysis of the seemingly strained interaction.
James noted that Ackerley was positioned at one end of the group, separate from his wife, which she described as a posing arrangement that looked "a little cruel." She pointed to Ackerley's "mixed emotions smile," interpreting it as containing "the faintest hint of a cry for help." The expert suggested that, as Robbie's "plus one" for the evening, he might have expected to stand beside her.
Decoding The Trio's Non-Verbal Cues
James's analysis extended to each individual's posture and expression. She observed that while Tom Ackerley's body pose appeared "relatively mature and relaxed," with one hand in his pocket suggesting an attempt to appear suave, his facial expression betrayed underlying uncertainty.
In contrast, Margot Robbie was described as projecting utter assurance. "She had the look of a very excited Wuthering showgirl," James said, citing Robbie's wide-eyed expression, broad smile, and splayed legs as signals of confidence.
Jacob Elordi, meanwhile, was characterised by a notably laidback and "neutral" presence. James remarked that he often adopts a passive body language, "like he's been dropped into situations from planet cool." She highlighted his effort to appear charming yet unbothered, a trait she called "the mark of the true star." In a photo with Robbie alone, James noted Elordi's casual arm placement around her waist, with fingers carefully curled upward to avoid any suggestion of improper clutching, a deliberate move given his "famously huge" hands.
A Professional 'Obsession' Or Calculated Promotion?
The body language analysis follows a series of remarkably candid comments from both stars about their working relationship, which fans have labelled a potential "lame" publicity stunt. Elordi previously declared that he and Robbie were "obsessed" with each other during filming, stating he ensured he was within 5 to 10 metres of her "at all times" to observe her impeccable conduct.
"We have a mutual obsession," Elordi told Fandango, with Robbie nearby. He described moments running through the moors where they genuinely felt they were embodying the doomed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff. "In that moment, we really were a part of their love, for real," he added.
Robbie reciprocated with equally intense sentiments, revealing she became "co-dependent" on Elordi and felt "really unnerved and unmoored" in his absence, comparing it to a child without a blanket. She also praised his thoughtful nature, recalling how he filled her room with roses when they filmed on Valentine's Day, and lauded his acting skills, branding him "the new Daniel Day-Lewis."
Matching Rings Cement The Narrative
Adding a tangible layer to this narrative, it was revealed this week that Robbie and Elordi commissioned matching signet rings to commemorate their collaboration. Designed by UK jeweller Cece Fein-Hughes, each gold ring features an image of two embracing skeletons amidst thorns and is engraved with the line from Emily Brontë's novel: "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."
The rings also bear the initials of their characters, Cathy and Heathcliff, and the dates "1847-2026," linking the novel's publication to the film's release. Fein-Hughes described the pieces as telling "a story of passion, devotion, and wild romance," gifted by Robbie to Elordi as "a quiet reminder that love never truly dies."
Wuthering Heights is co-produced by Robbie's own company, LuckyChap Entertainment, which she runs with her husband, Tom Ackerley. The couple welcomed a baby boy in October 2024, adding a personal dimension to the dynamic now under public scrutiny. Whether the intense Robbie-Elordi rapport is a genuine artistic meeting of minds or a masterclass in modern film promotion remains a topic of fervent debate.
