Film Review: Wuthering Heights (2026)
Jason Wright takes a look at the 2026 adaption of the Bronte classic that had scenes he was not expecting…
Wuthering Heights (2026) is a film that mistakes provocation for depth. While Emily Brontë’s novel is undeniably dark, obsessive, and emotionally brutal, this adaptation leans so heavily into shock value that it ultimately undermines the tragic romance at its core.
The film is saturated with scenes of explicit sexual content and violent intimacy. These are presented less as meaningful psychological exploration and more as relentless discomfort. Rather than illuminating the characters’ destructive passion, these moments feel gratuitous. They distract from the narrative. They dilute the emotional complexity that has made the story endure.
What should be a haunting portrait of obsession instead becomes an exercise in excess. Character development suffers under the weight of stylistic provocation. This leaves Heathcliff and Catherine emotionally distant rather than tragically compelling. The film’s fixation on bleakness drains the gothic poetry from the story. It replaces it with a tone that feels aggressively joyless.
The sole redeeming feature is the cinematography. The windswept moors are captured with striking beauty. This evokes the haunting atmosphere the film otherwise struggles to achieve.
Despite carrying a 15 certificate, the film’s level of explicit sexual content and disturbing thematic material feels markedly stronger than audiences might reasonably expect. Parents should be aware that this is not a traditional literary romance adaptation. It may be unsuitable for younger teens or sensitive viewers.
Ultimately, this adaptation prioritises shock over substance. It leaves behind a visually striking but emotionally exhausting experience.
Wuthering Heights with Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi is playing at Wellington Orbit from 27th February
