📽 What do Charli XCX, Saltburn, and Emily Brontë have in common? Well, that would be Emerald Fennell’s “ Wuthering Heights ” — a (very) loose adaptation of Brontë’s 1847 classic, hence the quotation marks in the title. Fennell’s latest cinematic release is a film that will shock you, entertain you, and confuse you — an amalgamation of emotions that one could argue the director perfected in her 2023 blockbuster Saltburn.

“It is Wuthering Heights, and it isn’t,” Fennell said in an interview with Fandango, further adding that the adaptation is based on her own memory of the book, how she felt reading it, and what she wished had happened instead.

We all know the classic: Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) is far from comfortable as can be; her father is an abusive drunkard, her once-great house is in ruins, and her companion Nelly (Hong Chau) doesn’t seem to have her best interests in mind.

One day, her father brings home a young boy (Jacob Elordi) to raise as a servant and as Catherine’s own “pet.” She decides to name him Heathcliff, and the pair begin to bond over their shared tumultuous upbringing, paving the way for a fervent, toxic relationship. As they grow older, Catherine and Heathcliff begin falling for each other, but due to the Earnshaws’ socio-economic status being in tatters, Catherine opts to marry their new wealthy neighbor Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif). The choice triggers a series of events that would see the lives of every character in their circle destroyed.

Bridgerton’s evil twin sister: The movie is unhinged in every sense of the word. With no shortage of erotic scenes, depictions of abuse, and ridiculous dialogue, you would expect audiences to be put off — but we loved it. There is a certain satisfaction in believing that you know how certain events will unfold, only to realize you have no idea what’s happening. Cyclical abuse, obsession, and class struggles are the main themes around which the film revolves, and both Elordi and Robbie — alongside the supporting cast — deliver stellar performances. Fennell successfully reinvents a classic to bring forth a work of art that is fresh, bold, and unapologetically daring.

And a work of art it truly is. With an original concept album and soundtrack by British singer Charli XCX, stunning visuals and cinematography by La La Land’s Linus Sandgren, and abrupt — yet expertly executed — cuts and montages, the film feels more like a series of living paintings.

We laughed, we cried, we cringed, and we gasped — simultaneously. While the film has critics divided, with some going as far as saying “ Brontë is absolutely rolling in her grave,” we’d argue that Fennell hit a home run, delivering a masterpiece that we anticipate will pave the way for further similar “adaptations.”

WHERE TO WATCH IT- “Wuthering Heights” is screening at Vox Cinemas at City Center Almaza, Alexandria, and Mall of Egypt. You can also catch the film at City Stars Cinema, Cima Arkan, Zawya, and D5 and CFCM’s Scene Cinemas. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 2:40).

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