Wuthering Heights Film Release: Critics Divided as Racy Adaptation Earns 72% Rating
One of the most highly anticipated films of 2026 is set to hit cinemas in just a matter of days, with critics already delivering their verdicts on this bold new adaptation. Saltburn director Emerald Fennell makes her much-anticipated return with Wuthering Heights, a loose and modern take on Emily Brontë's beloved classic novel. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Euphoria's Jacob Elordi and Barbie's Margot Robbie, who portray the iconic star-crossed lovers Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.
When Does Wuthering Heights Come Out?
Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release in cinemas this Friday, February 13. Although the timing coincides with Valentine's Day weekend, audiences should be prepared for a narrative that diverges significantly from traditional romantic comedies. The film features a soundtrack curated by Grammy Award winner Charli XCX, adding a contemporary edge to the period drama.
What Is the New Wuthering Heights About?
The original 19th-century story revolves around the obsessive and tumultuous romance between Heathcliff and Catherine. After being adopted into the Earnshaw family, Heathcliff forms a profound bond with their daughter, Catherine. However, when she marries another man of higher social standing, Heathcliff embarks on a years-long quest for revenge, targeting both Catherine's betrayal and her family's mistreatment.
Fennell's adaptation does not adhere strictly to the source material, as the director has openly acknowledged. This creative liberty means that certain plot elements have been altered, and some key characters, such as Catherine's brother Hindley, are notably absent. The film's official synopsis hints at the central conflict: "Tragedy strikes when Heathcliff falls in love with Catherine Earnshaw, a woman from a wealthy family in 18th-century England."
What Do Critics Say About Wuthering Heights?
Early reviews have sparked division among critics, yet the film has managed to secure an impressive 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 110 reviews. Some publications have offered scathing critiques, while others have praised Fennell's innovative approach.
The Independent published a particularly harsh one-star review, stating: "It uses the guise of interpretation to gut one of the most impassioned, emotionally violent novels ever written, and then tosses its flayed skin over whatever romance tropes seem most marketable. Adaptation or not, it’s an astonishingly hollow work."
In contrast, GQ offered a more favourable perspective: "For the most part, the pearl-clutchers are wrong - Fennell has used her powers for good here. And whether they like it or not, 'Wuthering Heights' is likely to be the defining movie of the first half of 2026."
Audiences eager to form their own opinions can experience Wuthering Heights in cinemas starting Friday, February 13. With its blend of classic storytelling and modern sensibilities, this adaptation promises to be a talking point for film enthusiasts and literary fans alike.
