“Wuthering Heights” is a classic tale that’s been told many times. The latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel from 1847 comes from talented and provocative director Emerald Fennell. And while Fennell takes some audacious liberties with the source material, the film proves to be a lush, emotional and stunning experience.

Set in the Moors of Yorkshire, the story begins as a young Cathy and her family take in a lost boy who will become known as Heathcliff. Fast-forward to when Cathy and Heathcliff are adults (played by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi), and we get the sense that there is unrequited love between them. But when Cathy decides to marry a wealthy textile merchant named Edgar (Shazad Latif), her feelings for Heathcliff still remain, and Heathcliff’s obsession with her intensifies.

From the moment the film’s eccentric opening title sequence flashes on the screen, you know you’re in for a visual treat. The cinematography here is gorgeously rendered, and it flourishes and imposes with striking image after striking image. Like the characters themselves, this is a film of contrasts–from windswept landscapes and bright florals, to claustrophobic fortresses and sprawling mansions. Fennell establishes a breathtaking aesthetic that is as Gothic as it is whimsical. All of this is bolstered by a Charli XCX-driven soundtrack, which adds a splash of modernity against the period piece backdrop.

The performances are great across the board. Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff is convincingly brooding, passionate and mercurial, while Margot Robbie’s Cathy is teeming with longing, curiosity and impulsion. The leads are elevated by a strong supporting cast in Shazad Latif, Hong Chau and Alison Oliver, who are all equally impressive.

Emerald Fennell’s unhinged version of “Wuthering Heights” is surely to be divisive. There’s a reason why the film’s poster displays the title in quotation marks. Those who are loyal to the novel might be jarred by the composition of this rendition, while casual movie watchers might be enthralled by the overall spectacle. What’s certain is that this is a dark, tragic and overwhelming experience. Amidst the highly stylized presentation is a story of dangerous and toxic love that envelops everything around it. I found it haunting me for days after I saw it.

“Wuthering Heights” is available to rent or buy on all major streaming platforms.
Zach Murphy is an avid enthusiast of cinema, theater and storytelling. He lives with his wonderful wife Kelly in St. Paul. You can read more reviews at his blog, Fade to Zach.