There's no doubt that "Wuthering Heights" is, in every sense, one of the hottest titles of the month, and first impressions already confirm the quality of a film that could prove to be among the best of 2026. A loose adaptation of Emily Brontë's literary masterpiece by the emerging filmmaker of recent years, Emerald Fennell—who already won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Promising Young Woman" and was equally acclaimed for the provocative "Saltburn"—the film immediately monopolized media attention thanks to the visibility of its leads Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi: two examples of talent and sensuality among the most sought-after by major studios and audiences.
But the highly erotic nature of some scenes and the irresistible magnetism of the actors—as already hinted at in promotional trailers and interviews—apparently won't be the only compelling reasons to go see the film in theaters. Indeed, according to initial reviews from the film press, "Wuthering Heights" proves to be a solid title in every respect—even despite the poetic license that initially alarmed fans of the novel—attesting to yet another hit from Fennell and an ever-growing career.
Set in 1847 on the moors of West Yorkshire, the film brings to life the passionate love between Catherine Earnshaw, a noblewoman, and the dark and sinister Heathcliff, an orphan raised by her father. The cast also includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell, as well as Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper—star of “Adolescence”—who play the younger versions of the protagonists.
Undaunted by her enthusiasm, critic Courtney Howard shared a post on X calling the film: “A new classic of divine caliber. Intoxicating, transcendent, tantalizing, bewitching, lustful, hypnotic. It expertly captures breathtaking pain and the essence of desire. Linus Sandgren’s cinematography is spellbinding. Suzie Davies’s production design is sublime.”
Variety editor-in-chief Jazz Tangacy also didn't hold back in her praise, calling it "a twisted, steamy story" and citing the actors' on-screen chemistry as an experience that embodies "a next-level of steam!" Praising Fennell's work specifically, she added: "Only Emerald could take a classic, turn it on its head, completely blow your mind, and then completely destroy your soul. An exquisite display of craftsmanship that left me salivating for the costumes, cinematography, and production design. I'm obsessively in love with it."
Critic Scott Menzel, on the other hand, bodes well for the film's box office results. He believes the film is "poised to be a huge success for Warner Bros. and will establish Emerald Fennell as one of today's most sought-after directors." He also predicted a successful awards campaign, adding: "A breathtaking visual work of art, the film looks set to be a major contender for awards, particularly for cinematography, costume design, production design, and score. And if you already thought Jacob Elordi's performances in Euphoria, Saltburn, and Frankenstein were a hit, wait until you see this. The sexual tension and chemistry between Margot Robbie and Elordi are so intense you could cut them with a knife."
Reflecting on the casting in retrospect, it's interesting to note that Margot Robbie was initially considered only as a producer, and not as the lead actress. Appearing on the Graham Norton Show alongside Jacob Elordi, the star clarified the matter, stating: "I shouldn't have taken the role in the first place. I was thrilled to be a producer, but at a certain point we were talking about Cathy, and I decided to jump in. In my opinion, it's one of the greatest love stories of all time; it has an exceptional cast and incredible actors. It's a great movie."
And, with inevitable words of admiration for the director, she added: "Emerald loves the book and really focused on the feeling it gave her when she first read it at 14. She channels that raw emotional experience, so it's an interpretation rather than an adaptation."
