Emma Stapp
Writer/Graphic designer
Emma Stapp, writer and graphic designer for The Spectator
Have you ever been so completely enthralled by a story that your breath catches? Have you ever been so tuned into a book that the entire world seems to disappear around you? Have you ever loved a piece of media so much that any adaptation of it just felt … wrong? You’re not alone. That’s exactly how many people are feeling about Emerald Fennell’s upcoming move adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.”
“Wuthering Heights” is one of the most famous novels of the 19th century. It’s the turbulent story of Catherine and Heathcliff, filled from start to finish with passion, revenge and obsession. Beloved for its gloomy atmosphere on the Yorkshire moors, the story has been a staple in literature classes and hearts since 1847. It also happens to be one of my favorite novels.
When I first heard that there would be a new adaptation of the Brontë book, I was excited. I thought it could be a fresh spin on a classic. Then, I saw the trailer. I had my reservations, for sure. I knew that adapting such a literary staple would be challenging for any director. What I saw, though, was just confusing.
Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw, the main character who is a teenager for the majority of the story. Robbie, on the other hand, is 35. As talented as Robbie is — and she’s amazing, with numerous awards and nominations to prove it — no amount of talent can make up for a 19-year age gap between an actress and her character.
Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff, the romantic lead. Famous for his dark, brooding manner, Heathcliff is a vastly layered character. While I do think Elordi has the acting chops to play the role, he also isn’t in quite the right age range to play him.
Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Not to mention the fact that Heathcliff (while historically played by white actors) is heavily implied to be a person of color. This means that the casting department saw an opportunity to diversify and simply didn’t take it.
In her article “Everyone hates the new Wuthering Heights trailer, and here’s why,” Claire Mabey states: “One discerning member of our club (the Support Group for Concerned Citizens Against the Saltburning of Wuthering Heights) expressed their thoughts on this unholy combination as like the ‘matcha dubai chocolate labubu of film.’”
Now, why does all of this matter? It’s just a movie, right? Well, yes … but also, no.
“Wuthering Heights” is a quintessential piece of literature, written by a young woman during a time when women’s writing was not always taken seriously. Since the time of its publication, it has gripped readers, especially female readers, everywhere. It’s a story that transcends time, one to which everyone can relate at some point in their lives.
So, for someone to take it and make it into something so different is disappointing to say the least.
Overall, things aren’t looking great for the new flick, but will I still be seated at the theater on Feb. 13 to scope things out? Absolutely.