Wuthering Heights (English) Review {2.0/5} & Review Rating
Star Cast: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi
Director: Emerald Fennell
Wuthering Heights Movie Review Synopsis:
WUTHERING HEIGHTS is a tumultuous love story. Catherine Earnshaw aka Cathy (Margot Robbie) lives with her father, Mr Earnshaw (Martin Clunes) and 3 maids – Nelly (Hong Chau), Zillah (Amy Morgan) and Mrs Burton (Jessica Knappett) – in a mansion in Wuthering Heights in northern England. Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) also resides with them since he was a kid, after Mr Earnshaw rescued him from his violent father. Ever since he moved in, Cathy developed a fondness for Heathcliff and vice versa. They grow up together and are now romantically attracted to each other. Meanwhile, the wealthy Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) moves in at the neighbouring Thrushcross Grange. Cathy is excited to finally have a neighbour and dreams of marrying Edgar. She hopes Edgar will visit them at Wuthering Heights, but he doesn't. In desperation, Cathy barges into his palatial house. Edgar is instantly smitten by her. Cathy gets injured and ends up staying in his residence for 5 weeks. Heathcliff is livid and makes his displeasure clear. Meanwhile, Edgar proposes marriage to Cathy. Mr Earnshaw has gambled away most of his wealth and he often gets abusive. As a result, Cathy is contemplating whether she should marry Edgar and escape from her wretched life. Nelly creates a rift between Cathy and Heathcliff. Heathcliff assumes Cathy doesn't want to marry him because of his low social status and as a result, he flees the Earnshaw household. Cathy waits for Heathcliff for weeks and when he doesn't return, she marries Edgar. She is besotted by the riches in her new family and house, though her heart continues to yearn for Heathcliff. Five years later, Heartcliff unexpectedly returns. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
Wuthering Heights Movie Story Review:
WUTHERING HEIGHTS is adapted from the novel of the same name by Emily Brontë. However, the plot is vastly different from the novel. Emerald Fennell's screenplay is breezy but also replete with eccentric moments. The dialogues are sharp.
Emerald Fennell's direction is okay. Technically, she gets it right in all respects. The film is shot on 35mm VistaVision cameras, which gives the film a vintage, old-school touch. The chemistry between the leads is electrifying and a few dramatic and intense moments stand out. A few memorable scenes are young Heathcliff being beaten by Mr Earnshaw and the sequence thereafter, Heathcliff admonishing Cathy after she is away for weeks, Heathcliff's dinner at Linton residence, etc. The scene where Heathcliff proposes marriage to Isabella (Alison Oliver) is one of a kind.
On the flipside, the goings-on often get bizarre. Both the lead characters are flawed, and that makes them relatable. But the lengths to which they go are quite childish. A few developments are bewildering like Nelly not leaving despite being fired by Cathy, Cathy not wondering why she isn't getting letters from Heathcliff, etc.
Wuthering Heights Movie Review Performances:
However, the performances are spot-on. Margot Robbie essays a complex role with perfection, proving yet again that she’s getting better with every film as a performer. Jacob Elordi’s two looks are dashing and he delivers a fine performance as the brooding Heathcliff. Martin Clunes gets into the skin of his character effortlessly. Shazad Latif lends able support. Alison Oliver is a surprise and the way she plays her part is something to watch out for. Hong Chau lends able support. Amy Morgan, Jessica Knappett and Ewan Mitchell (Joseph) are okay.
Wuthering Heights movie music and other technical aspects:
Charli XCX's music is well-woven into the narrative. Anthony Willis's background score is apt for a film of this kind.
Linus Sandgren's cinematography is simply breathtaking. Jacqueline Durran's costumes and Suzie Davies's production design are reminiscent of the bygone era. Victoria Boydell's editing is appropriate but could have been crisper in certain scenes.
Wuthering Heights Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, despite the technical finesse and strong performances, WUTHERING HEIGHTS disappoints, thanks to bizarre developments and uneven writing. It’s expected to open strongly in its home market, but in India, the buzz is limited. Moreover, with tough competition from Hindi releases, it’ll have an uphill task at the box office.