Since early November, my social media feed has been filled with teasers for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.”
Despite the four-star reviews on Goodreads, I’ve never read the 1847 “Wuthering Heights” novel by Emily Brontë — soI came with no spoilers. And I’m definitely not one to turn down a period piece, especially one starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
The second the film was released to the public on Feb. 13, I booked my tickets and was prepared to go in totally blind with no prior knowledge of the plot.
The film takes place in the foggy English countryside, where Catherine Linton, Cathy, played by Robbie, is first depicted as a child living with her widowed father, servants and maids.
Her home, Wuthering Heights, reminded me of a slightly worn-down gothic farmhouse. With dark wood features and the constant overcast of the hills, I was left with a sense of looming darkness — a feeling that would pervade the whole film.
After a routine drunken night, Cathy’s dad, Mr. Earnshaw, brings home a teenage orphan, whom Cathy then names after her dead brother: Heathcliff, played by Jacob Elordi.
After the dead brother comment, I really hoped Heathcliff and Cathy's relationship would be strictly platonic, but even as children, the two started falling in love.
Once Heathcliff and Cathy were past childhood, that's when I concluded their relationship was very problematic, but also thrilling.
The chemistry between Elordi and Robbie made their relationship on screen seem so palpable that I genuinely forgot that Heathcliff was supposed to be a servant on Cathy's farm.
I would be lying if I said that Cathy’s jealousy towards Heathcliff wasn’t giving me second-hand embarrassment with her constant obsessiveness, but his clear amusement helped balance her embarrassing attempts at getting his attention.
With Mr. Earnshaw's crippling gambling addiction and constant drunkenness, Cathy, of course, is immediately interested in her new wealthy neighbors, Edgar Linton and his sister Isabella.
Not only was Edgar completely enthralled with Cathy, but the tension between Cathy and Heathcliff only grew at the prospect of another man, whom she eventually marries.
And this is where I truly fell in love with the film.
Edgar's home — the Linton Manor — was captivating with its red-marbled floors, grand chandeliers, rooms filled with widows and even a room designed by Edgar to look like Cathy's skin, veins and all.
And quite possibly my favourite part of the film — Cathy’s gowns.
According to W Magazine, all curated by Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran, her daring reds, lace detailing and even her off-white wedding dress added a glamorous touch to the ever-torturing story.
The playlist, which featured an original album, “Wuthering Heights,” by Charli XCX and the song "House," featuring John Cale, added a pop twist to the old English scenery.
The Art Deco and 21st-century elements in the movie make for a completely original adaptation of a period piece.
All while Cathy and Heathcliff are trying to make out their love for each other, the cinematography creates a perfect environment of both innocence and lust, with gray natural elements, bright pops of color and traditional clothing with modern twists.
“Wuthering Heights” wasn’t a bland English love story, but instead an enigmatic, modern masterpiece.
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