Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The highly anticipated romantic drama film, "Wuthering Heights" (2026), has officially released on Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles, on January 28, 2026, before a wide release in the United States and the United Kingdom on February 13, 2026.
Directed and written by Emerald Fennell, the film offers a bold adaptation of Emily Brontë's acclaimed classic novel.
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With a provocative modern twist, the film explores the intense and destructive love story between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.
Fennell, who previously had success with "Promising Young Woman" (2020) and "Saltburn" (2023), brings her unique vision to this timeless story.
Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, "Wuthering Heights" promises a unique cinematic experience.
A Bold Modern Interpretation
Emerald Fennell is known for her bold and provocative directing style, and “Wuthering Heights” (2026) is no exception.
This adaptation has been described as original, wild, sensual, and obsessive, a far cry from previous traditional adaptations.
Fennell explicitly stated that she was not attempting to adapt the book verbatim, but rather to create a “version” that captures the spirit of the original through a modern lens.
Jacob Elordi even called the film “not a traditional retelling of a character that has always existed in our consciousness.”
Fennell also defended her decision to cast Elordi as Heathcliff, stating that the actor “looks exactly like the illustration of Heathcliff in the first book I read.”
Margot Robbie, who also served as a producer, explained that the film’s primary goal was to recreate the intense emotional response she felt upon first reading the novel.
This approach, according to critic Brian Truitt of USA Today, resulted in “the first must-see film of 2026, a riveting retelling of a timeless love story through an accessible, modern lens.”
A Forbidden Love Story
“Wuthering Heights” (2026) centers on the intense and destructive love story between Heathcliff, an orphan adopted by the Earnshaw family, and Catherine Earnshaw.
Their relationship is hindered by differences in social status and personal ambition, leading to their love being suppressed and ending in bitterness.
The film deeply explores themes of obsession, revenge, and social hierarchy that shape their doomed love.Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw, while Jacob Elordi brings Heathcliff to life.
The two showcase a strong chemistry and collaboration that helps them bring their best performances to life on screen.
Robbie, who is also a producer, describes Catherine as “beautiful, compelling, and surprising, and she can overcome anything.”
In addition to Robbie and Elordi, the film is also supported by a talented cast.
Hong Chau stars as Nelly Dean, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, and Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton. The presence of these supporting actors complements Fennell's complex narrative.
Critical Reception
"Wuthering Heights" (2026) premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on January 28, 2026.
It was then scheduled for theatrical release in the United States and the United Kingdom on February 13, 2026, coinciding with Valentine's Day.
Since its release, the film has received mixed reviews from critics.
On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, 71% of 108 critic reviews are positive.
The site's consensus states that the film "a liberal adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic story with a dose of carnality and chic style, Emerald Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights' may not be high literature but is a vibrant visual delight."
However, Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, gave it a score of 58 out of 100 based on 36 critics, indicating “mixed or average” reviews.