By Annabel Farringer / A&E Reporter
On Saturday Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, a film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights” took over theaters globally. It was produced and written by Emerald Fennell, who is also well-known for her recent 2023 movie “Saltburn.”
The original Victorian novel was written in 1847, but it takes place in the Yorkshire Moors of England from the late 18th century into the early 19th century. The story, both in the 2026 adaptation and the original novel, follows an intense and turbulent love story between Catherine Earnshaw, played by Margot Robbie, and Healthcliff, played by Jacob Elordi. This two-hour-and-sixteen-minute film showcases themes such as class struggle, class division, love, betrayal and violence. While many Harpeth Hall students have already gone to see it with their parents’ permission, the movie is rated R, so all viewers under 18-years-old will need adult supervision to attend a showing.
“Wuthering Heights” movie poster after watching it in theaters. Photo courtesy of Caroline Walsh
Whether it was the release date, the well-known cast or the storyline, this movie attracted many viewers. In the opening weekend alone, it grossed $82 million in sales and was the largest movie screening, as measured by the most tickets sold, in 2026 so far.
Despite the success in ticket sales, some viewers had mixed opinions about the film. Many enjoyed the film, but some loyal Brontë fans protested that it was not an accurate representation of the novel’s storyline. Specifically, Brontë described Heathcliff as dark-skinned in the novel, but in Fennell’s adaptation movie he is white. Some viewers are upset with this specific change and find it changes the plot of the story. Movie rating website Rotten Tomatoes rated the film overall at 58% approval among critics, with a higher score among fans.
Harpeth Hall students, however, overwhelmingly enjoyed the film. In the fall, AP English Literature and Composition students read “Jane Eyre,” a book written by Emily Brontë’s sister Charlotte Brontë. Eager to compare the sisters’ works and enjoy another critically-acclaimed Brontë story, many of the seniors headed for the theaters this past Valentine’s Day weekend.
Senior Lula Lowrance said, “I really loved ‘Wuthering Heights’. I have not yet read the book, but after seeing the movie it is definitely going to be my next read.”
Juniors Lauren Sullivan and Greer Bodzy also visited a Green Hills movie theater this Valentine’s Day. Neither had read the book before, but both felt inspired after the movie.
“I especially enjoyed the costumes, hair and general storyline,” Bodzy said.
The costumes and makeup that made the movie come to life were equally popular among other HH students. The costumes were the work of two-time Oscar winner, Jacqueline Duran, who also created the wardrobe for the 2023 film “Barbie.” Similarly, the established British makeup artist Sian Miller was behind the hair and makeup for the production.
The film adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” is still in theaters for another few weeks, but for those unable to make the trip, it is coming to HBO Max in late April or early May. Furthermore, the original book by Emily Brontë is a 400-page read that is available to check out at the HH library for spring break!
