A Spectacle but Unfaithful Adaptation: Wuthering Heights (2026) Reviewed

Here is something you possibly wouldn’t expect me to write, but here I am tapping away at the keyboard, expressing my constructive review of the latest 2026 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

The book, as we know, is highly dramatic and set in the 18th century, so naturally it lends itself comfortably to a modern film instalment. The film strongly emphasises this drama, using stunning cinematography throughout its runtime. However, at times the added symbolic elements feel overpowering and unnecessary, particularly during emotional scenes where I felt the intensity was almost lost. In one especially dramatic and emotional moment, the symbolism took away the emotional connection the scene was trying to create between the characters. But in some other scenes it blended finer and more freshly placed.

I don’t think anyone can deny the outstanding performance by Margot Robbie as Cathy. In my opinion, she is a fantastic actress who is steadily climbing toward legendary status. She is perfectly suited to portraying intense, complex, ambitious and psychological roles with vulnerability and depth — something we have previously seen in her performances as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and Tonya Harding in I, Tonya. Her talent has been recognised not only by critics and audiences but also through the numerous awards and nominations she has received.

Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff is depicted differently from his portrayal in the book, but he nevertheless delivers a superb performance. He presents a disturbed, obsessive and at times cruel Heathcliff, driven by revenge and layered with sexual tension that tantalises audiences.

Other strong performances include Martin Clunes portraying a dark, sinister version of Catherine’s father — a role audiences might not expect him to take on, yet he plays it brilliantly. Hong Chau portrays Nelly with charm, betrayal and tragedy, offering again a different interpretation of the character from the novel.

The list of impressive performances continues, particularly with the child actors who portray the younger versions of Cathy (Charlotte Mellington) and Heathcliff by Owen Cooper ( Star of the Netflix's award winning drama Adolescence) - both of whom were outstanding.

To round off this review and compare it with the novel, Wuthering Heights is undeniably dramatic, and this is very much echoed in the film through the spectacle cinematography although, for me, the symbolic elements occasionally feel excessive and overpowering. However, if you are looking for a highly dramatic story of obsessive love, revenge, lust and at times cruel intentions filled with powerful scenes and emotional intensity, which also captures the trials and tribulations of the era, you will likely enjoy this film. While it is not a faithful adaptation of the book, it can certainly be appreciated as an 18th-century dark drama in its own right. But for fans who love and may expect Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights to be adapted for this latest film will be disappointed.