Every year, sophomores at Cherry Hill High School East are handed a worn copy of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.” The book sparks many discussions in English classes, ranging from the complex characters to the intriguing setting. Despite the many opinions that emerge after reading this book, most would agree on one thing: Director Emerald Fennell’s new take on “Wuthering Heights” strips the book of most of its significance. 

In July 2024, Fennell, who is also known for directing “Saltburn” and “Promising Young Woman,” announced that she would be directing a new adaptation of the classic English novel. Almost 2 years later, the movie officially came to theaters on Feb. 13. She says that the style for the new “Wuthering Heights” movie was based on her interpretation of the book when she first read it at 14 years old.  

In an interview with the BBC, Fennell said, “I wanted to make something that made me feel like I felt when I first read it, which means that it’s an emotional response to something. It’s, like, primal, sexual.” 

While the book explores a toxic, yet raw and consuming love story between Catherine and Heathcliff, it does not include the sexual relationship that is heavily focused on in the movie. This twist on the beloved book is a cause of dislike for many viewers because they believe Fennell didn’t truly comprehend the material and its purpose.

Additionally, the casting announcement caught many by surprise and dislike with Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. One of the main concerns was the casting of Jacob Elordi, a white Australian actor, because in the book Heathcliff is not described as white but rather as having a darker skin tone. The racial ambiguity of Heathcliff is one of the reasons that made the novel, published in 1847, so radical for its time. Many think that this casting ignores the racialized violence and dehumanization that Heathcliff faces. 

Another flaw many pointed out after viewing the movie is that it excludes a large portion of the book. The movie completely dismisses Catherine’s daughter, Cathy, and her entire storyline following her mother’s death. Furthermore, in the book, Isabella Linton is a complex female character that represents the foil to Catherine, and she gains her independence by leaving Heathcliff and their abusive marriage. However, the movie portrays her as a delicate and submissive character, completely disregarding the power in her ultimately leaving Heathcliff. 

Overall, the new “Wuthering Heights” movie has gained a lot of controversy since its original announcement. The casting and twist on the plot are two of the main things focused on by viewers. However, these concerns mostly come from those who have read the book. The movie offers a different take on the classic novel, which may encourage more people to read it. That said, if you read the book, beware of the major alterations made prior to watching the movie.