Wuthering Heights is 2026’s most divisive movie as it’s branded “astonishingly bad” and “absorbing”

The new film Wuthering Heights arrives in theaters this week, and it’s likely to spark a lot of debate, just like director Emerald Fennell’s previous films, Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. It’s expected to be one of the year’s most controversial movies.

Ahead of its release, reviews have now started to be released for the eagerly-awaited adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. It’s early days yet, but Wuthering Heights currently stands at 71% from 72 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes with reviews swinging from enthusiastic praise (“utterly absorbing”) to scathing criticism (“astonishingly bad”).

If you’re still deciding whether to watch Wuthering Heights, we’ve gathered a collection of reviews – both good and bad – to help you make up your mind.

What to Read Next

Digital Spy

Emerald Fennell was given a lot of creative freedom with her adaptation of Wuthering Heights, and occasionally the film feels overly focused on showing off rather than being truly insightful. While it’s certainly engaging, it can also be frustrating to watch at times.

The Independent

This adaptation claims to explain the story, but it completely drains the emotional power and intensity from a novel known for its raw, passionate energy. It then wraps this empty shell in predictable romance clichés, making it a surprisingly superficial and unsatisfying piece of work.

BBC

If you appreciate the film’s unique and daring approach, and view it as a fresh take on the story rather than a strict retelling, this beautifully made Wuthering Heights is completely captivating.

The Atlantic

Okay, so I just saw Emerald Fennell’s new take on Wuthering Heights, and wow! As a fan of the book, I was a little nervous, but it’s honestly her best movie yet. It’s a wild, passionate, and super intense experience – exactly what you want from a Gothic romance. But honestly? It’s also a bit of a beautiful disaster – messy, gritty, and totally over the top, in the best way possible.

Little White Lies

This story doesn’t feel deeply meaningful; it’s more like a pretty surface-level tale, perfect for quick online trends and aesthetic collections, but unlikely to leave a lasting emotional impact.

Daily Telegraph

It’s not a case of prioritizing looks over content; Fennell simply recognizes that when executed well, style is a form of substance.

Mashable

Wuthering Heights comes across as a raw and intense, but ultimately messy, portrayal of youthful desire and defiance – something that feels more at home in a teenager’s private world than on the big screen.

USA Today

Emerald Fennell’s film is a dazzling and captivating reimagining of a classic love story, presented in a fresh, modern way. It’s already shaping up to be one of the best movies of 2026.

Wuthering Heights is released in cinemas on 13 February.

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2026-02-10 15:51