‘Wuthering Heights’: A Film Review
“‘Wuthering Heights'” was released on Feb. 13, 2026 and grossed over $80 million dollars at the box office in the opening weekend. The film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, was directed by Emerald Fennell. The movie is an adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel by the same title.
“I really enjoyed the movie,” said Aaliyah Davis, Wadsworth High School senior. “The acting by the main characters was very thorough and intense.”
Robbie’s execution of Catherine was excellent. Every bit of Catherine’s deep sorrow, yet witty personality was perfectly portrayed by Robbie. She beautifully portrayed the tragedies of her life, right down to her micro expressions.
Elordi also played Heathcliff with great skill, as he truly showed Heathcliff’s yearning and controlling nature throughout the film.
“[‘Wuthering Heights’] was such a good movie,” said Ava Porchowsky, Wadsworth High School junior and fan of the film. “Jacob [Elordi] did an amazing job playing Heathcliff.”
The set design and production of the film was very well done. Every set piece was meticulously thorough and well thought out. The intense effort of the production team could be very well felt throughout the screen. The costumes were also spectacular, with Catherine’s dresses being the star of the show. Each design of lace and ribbon were beautifully done, and the care put into them was highly prevalent.
But, there has been great amounts of criticism on the film’s adaptation from the 1847 novel, even though it is all unnecessary. From the beginning of the movie’s press tour, the director and cast members have all expressed how this is an adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” and it is not an exact copy and they are not trying to master every moment from the book. Brontë’s novel is far too nuanced and intricate to shorten down to a two hour film.
In addition, evolution of a classic story is always necessary to keep the story relevant and in conversation. Having a story take inspiration from the book and evolve into someone else’s perspective helps keep the story alive and makes it last for generations. For example, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the 1900 classic story by L. Frank Baum has been adapted and evolved hundreds of times over its 125-year history. From the 1939 film starring Judy Garland to the Broadway and now movie musical “Wicked,” the story has stayed so apparent in pop culture due to the constant molding of the story across the decades, and “Wuthering Heights” is no different. Loyalists to the novel need to accept the changes and welcome in new eyes and insight into the world surrounding the story.
Review: Charli XCX’s ‘Wuthering Heights’
Pop-music artist Charli XCX released her album “Wuthering Heights” on Feb. 13, 2026, as the soundtrack to Emerald Fennell’s film under the same name. This album is a far cry from her usual sound. Her 2024 studio album “Brat” featured upbeat, experimental pop songs perfect for the dance floor. “Wuthering Heights” can be described as a dark, mature version of “Brat.” It is clear that Charli is evolving and moving on from her usual style of music. However, she is still able to create a great album with excellent vocals and amazing backtracks.
“I’m a pretty big fan of her [Charli XCX], so I was really excited to listen to her new album, and I think it’s pretty good,” said Michael Lance, Wadsworth High School senior.
The opening track, “House,” featuring John Cale, was “Wuthering Heights” first single. It began trending on social media apps such as TikTok shortly after its release. After giving it a listen, I think it is a strong, loud track to open the album with. It sets the mood for the songs that follow.
“Chains of Love,” in my opinion, is one of the album’s strongest tracks. It has the typical slow, deep sound that most of the other songs possess. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, with amazing backing vocals that echo the deep, raw emotion of the dynamic between the film’s characters, Catherine and Heathcliff.
Other great songs include “Always Everywhere,” “Wall of Sound,” “Funny Mouth” and “Altars.”
“I thought that the album was deep and really symbolic,” said Avneet Singh, Wadsworth High School junior. “My favorite song is definitely ‘Chains of Love.’”
However, my favorite track from the album is, without a doubt, “My Reminder.” It feels livelier than the other songs on “Wuthering Heights,” which I greatly enjoy. It discusses themes of trying to move on from a failed relationship and of struggling to break the deep bonds that had formed.
“Wuthering Heights” does have some weaknesses, despite all of the things I enjoy about it. This album sounds better when paired with its movie. The singer wrote in a Substack post, “I’d just like the songs to live as songs, within and adjacent to the film.” “Wuthering Heights” features great songs, and Charli is amazing at blending her usual hyper-pop sound with a more solemn, mature one. However, as a standalone project, it is not as strong as her other works. I enjoyed Charli’s more lively and dance-worthy albums, which are definitely her strong suit.
