Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte has been a prominent classic text of literature in classrooms for decades and this past Valentine’s season the novel’s latest adaptation has added a new layer of engagement. 

Students’ interest spiked when news of the movie surfaced. The director of the psychological thriller Saltburn, Emerald Fennel, has also sparked interest from the Wuthering Heights fanbase. 

“I think there was more engagement initially,” Cooley said. “Students typically are pretty engaged by the story, because it is so tumultuous.”

Conversation about the film pops up often in class, but expectations for the adaptation are cautious. 

“I did see the trailer, and I am very interested in seeing it, I’m not overly hopeful that it’s going to be a faithful adaptation of the story,” Cooley said. 

Those who saw the movie have had mixed reviews on whether the film captured the theme of the book. Senior and AP Literature student Adeline Moore thinks the book holds the heart of the story. 

Moore acknowledged the “abrupt ending” and argued that “the ending didn’t help capture the whole meaning of the story.” 

Discussing the complex relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, Moore also explained the lack of emotion and drama. 

“It seemed like the love between Catherine and Heathcliff wasn’t as deep,” Moore said. “The film’s portrayal made the relationship feel just messy.”

The director, taking a different approach to the film, added what AP Literature student Evie Strickland described as “a certain type of intensity.” 

Strickland’s critique to a sharper, more explicit romance is the director’s amplification of the relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine. 

“It further emphasized the tension of Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship,” Strickland said. 

Moore speaks on the importance of the film and its independent take on the book. 

“I would suggest watching it, but it’s not something that I would want to watch again,” Moore commented. 

Furthermore, the new adaptation has caused a stir online as many are upset about the casting. Heathcliff in the story is described as an individual with a darker complexion, in the movie he is played by white New Zealander Jacob Elordi. As both he and his co-star, Margot Robbie as Catherine, have encouraged excitement, many are upset by the lack of representation of this gothic storyline.

Despite lack of representation and  intense, uncomfortable scenes, the film prevails in box office numbers, grossing $83 million within the first four days.