“Wuthering Heights” is one of the first books to combine gothic themes with romantic ones, showcasing intense emotional violence and toxic obsession, that broke social norms of polite love stories during Victorian times. On Feb. 13, the film adaptation of the novel, directed by Emerald Fennell, was released in theatres resurfacing the book’s complex themes in a masterful way.
For those who have not read the book, or like me, have attempted to read it, the story follows Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff from childhood to adulthood around Earnshaw’s estate: Wuthering Heights. When Heathcliff was a boy, his father abandoned him, with Catherine’s father taking him in to be Catherine’s “pet.” At the time, Heathcliff refused to talk but they soon became fast friends and were inseparable as kids.
Years later, Edgar Linton, played by Shazad Latif, moves into the house next to Wuthering Heights. Catherine, played by Margot Robbie, becomes obsessed with the idea of marrying Edgar and after a week of not being called on by him, sneaks over to his house. While climbing over the wall of Edgar’s estate, Edgar’s sister, Isabella, played by Alison Oliver, saw Catherine and screamed. Catherine fell from the wall and sprained her ankle. Edgar took pity on her and let her stay at his estate for six weeks as her ankle healed.
While Catherine was at the Linton estate, Heathcliff, played by Jacob Elordi, becomes more and more worried about Catherine.
I was unaware until after seeing the film, but in the “Wuthering Heights” book, Heathcliff is not white. This is a problem for the movie because of the elements that are lost. Heathcliff not being white brings a whole different perspective on Catherine’s decisions and the social conditions keeping them a part.
It would have also brought to light why Heathcliff was treated poorly during that period, not just because of his lower status, but also because of the color of his skin. Taking away this important aspect of Heathcliff’s character puts a bad mark on his characterization in the movie.
When Catherine finally returns, she brings back news of Edgar asking for her hand in marriage. After overhearing Catherine’s reason for marrying Edgar, Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights.
It wasn’t until five years later that Heathcliff finally returned and the two were reunited, beginning their affair and causing Catherine’s downfall.
The movie did a beautiful job in telling this tragic story. The cinematography is exceptional and perfectly represents the rising and falling of the story’s climax.
In the beginning, the movie is full of dark lighting. The sky is never truly clear and almost seems like the house is surrounded by a dark cloud, giving off the creepiness and toxicity first shown in the characters’ relationship and childhood. After Catherine marries Edgar, the lighting changes and the movie becomes brighter, almost like a representation of what can be considered the happy years for Catherine.
After Heathcliff returns and their affair begins, the colors change. Instead of the bright white, red was added to the lighting and the house, representing the passion and sin being committed by Heathcliff and Catherine.
Along with its amazing cinematography, the actors brought the characters to life. Robbie and Elordi did a beautiful job bringing a romance full of toxic obsession into reality. One of my favorite scenes was when Heathcliff grabbed Catherine’s corset and lifted her to be eye level with him. The actors did such an amazing job in creating chemistry between their characters that you could feel the electricity between the two.
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Another reason this movie is a masterpiece is because it makes you feel every emotion. You feel anger watching the dominos fall leading up to Catherine’s downfall. You feel the love and the obsession between Heathcliff and Catherine, even when they hate each other. But most importantly, you feel the story’s darkness, like a chill that never fully goes away.
Addie Gerber is the design director for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at design@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
