I think it's completely fair to describe Emerald Fennell's adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" as a divisive watch, right? I only have to think back to the reactions I saw on my TikTok and Letterboxd feeds back in February, or take a glance at the reactions on Rotten Tomatoes, to know that the movie very much did split opinions upon release.
Well, if you missed it in theaters, and you've been waiting for your chance to watch "Wuthering Heights" at home (and didn't want to buy or rent it digitally), today's the day. As of Friday, May 1, you can now stream "Wuthering Heights" on HBO Max.
I figure this streaming release will no doubt have some viewers considering whether Fennell's latest release deserves a spot on their watchlist. If you're one of those people, you can find a little more info about the film below, alongside my take on "Wuthering Heights" and a brief round-up of critical opinion on the film.
What is 'Wuthering Heights' about?
"Wuthering Heights" transports viewers to the Yorkshire moors for an R-rated romantic period drama that loosely adapts the story of Emily Brontë’s beloved novel. Namely, it chronicles the toxic, tumultuous and all-consuming bond that's formed between Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi), and how it shapes and affects both their lives but also those in the pair's orbit.
In addition to Robbie and Elordi, "Wuthering Heights" also stars Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, Ewan Mitchell, Charlotte Mellington, and "Adolescence" star, Owen Cooper.
So, should you stream 'Wuthering Heights' on HBO Max?
If you want my opinion ... no. I wouldn't recommend "Wuthering Heights" at all. I love the original novel, and for me, this just didn't work. It's costuming and production design impress, sure, but beyond lavish presentation and some striking visuals, little has remained in my memory beyond the fact that I found it a laborious watch laden with issues.
I remember leaving the theater grossly dissatisfied, and just not understanding so many of the decisions that had been made over the course of this film's production. Why everything had been so sexualized, the changes made to Isabella as a character, the casting choices, to name but a few. It seems interested only in the torrid affair and none of the story's substance or themes; it feels like it's trying to be provocative, but only superficially.
I can see Fennell had a desire to make her version of "Wuthering Heights," and she's achieved that — it's just not a vision of that story that I ever want to revisit. I wasn't pulled in by the spectacle or the story, and I certainly wouldn't recommend enduring it on HBO Max.
Nevertheless, there are people out there who enjoyed "Wuthering Heights," and therefore it stands to reason some would-be viewers may enjoy their time with the film if they stream it this weekend.
Case in point, TG's Alix Blackburn was somewhat kinder to the film; in her "Wuthering Heights" review, Alix offered a 3-star verdict, writing: "Wuthering Heights" is visually stunning, with sizzling chemistry, immersive sound, and moody gothic romance that draws you in. But beneath the beauty lies a heavily romanticized take on toxic love, erasing key character empowerment and upsetting book purists. It's a feast for the eyes, not the conscience."
Reviewing for HeyUGuys, Linda Marric gave it a 4-star rating, writing: "For viewers willing to embrace a stylised, modernised interpretation rather than a traditional period drama, this Wuthering Heights offers a lurid, provocative and strangely compelling ride."
"Wuthering Heights" even earned a perfect 5/5 from the Daily Telegraph's Robbie Collin, who branded the film "resplendently lurid, oozy and wild."
All in all, "Wuthering Heights" seems best summed up as a movie that will provoke some sort of reaction, and if you're willing to find out whether it's a vision of this literary classic that you can embrace, it may (or may not) reward your curiosity. The only way to find out whether it's your kind of film ultimately will be to watch it, so the decision truly does fall to you.
"Wuthering Heights" is now streaming on HBO Max
