Fennell's adaptation of "Heights" modernizes the romances but ignores the social class disparity

 

Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights is not the best adaptation of Emily Bronte's literary masterpiece, but it may just be the most beautifully entertaining one. Featuring the handsome leads (Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi) as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, the movie features some haunting looking set pieces, and a location (enchanting hills drenched in a perpetual hovering fog) that was born out of the Gothic dictionary itself. As the star crossed (but impoverished) lovers, Catherine and Heathcliff's fates are doomed, as both are poor, and only she is able to marry upwards into unimaginable wealth. When Heathcliff returns from a long sabbatical as a much more successful (and better groomed) man, Catherine throws herself at him - heart, body and soul. 

The soundtrack is a notable one, as well. It features contemporary music (most by Charli XCX) that modernizes the period piece from the early nineteenth century England into something the younger viewers unfamiliar with the novel will appreciate. This adaptation is by no means a masterpiece, but it is, nonetheless, a remarkable visual achievement, despite mostly ignoring the social class disparity that exists among its central characters. Fennell may not be a recognizable name among Hollywood's elite directors, but judging with what original flair she carries herself, it may not be long before she reaches that escheleon.

☆☆☆