tech
February 16, 2026
Every generation gets the Wuthering Heights it deserves. And Emerald Fennell’s is for the always-online
Packed cinemas testify to the allure of Emily Brontë’s tale, even if this latest retelling is not to everyone’s taste
TL;DR
- Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of Wuthering Heights has become a debated film, characterized by "50 shades of Brontë" and overt sexualization.
- The film is seen as a reflection of contemporary culture and the "always online" generation, rather than a faithful depiction of the 19th-century novel.
- Fennell's interpretation prioritizes provocation and "primal, sexual" undercurrents, appealing to social media trends like "enemies to lovers" and "slow burn."
- Criticisms include the casting of older actors and overlooking Heathcliff's original description as a "dark-skinned gipsy."
- The film's commercial success and impact on book sales suggest the enduring appeal of Wuthering Heights, even with controversial adaptations.
Continue reading the original article