Wuthering Heights star Jacob Elordi defends controversial dog collar scene: “That was so much fun”

by

Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is now in theaters. It’s a reimagining of the classic 1847 novel that focuses on the intense attraction between Heathcliff and Cathy, and includes some scenes with BDSM themes, particularly within Heathcliff’s relationship with Isabella. The film has sparked debate among viewers due to its unconventional approach.

Jacob Elordi, who plays Heathcliff in the new film, has spoken out to support a particularly debated scene. It depicts a power dynamic between Heathcliff and Isabella (played by Alison Oliver) involving elements of BDSM, showing Isabella on all fours, wearing a collar, and behaving like a dog.

Digital Spy points out that showing a gentler side to Heathcliff’s relationship with Isabella helps make him a more traditionally romantic hero, which is a key focus of this adaptation. However, the scene also allows Isabella to regain some control, as she willingly enters a relationship with this less harsh version of Heathcliff.

What to Read Next

Elordi has shared that the show combined some of the most disturbing parts of the novel – like when Heathcliff hangs Isabella’s dog – into the single scene involving the collar.

He explained to Entertainment Weekly that the scene was particularly impactful, feeling like Emerald had concentrated the novel’s darkest elements – specifically, the upsetting event involving the dog – into that single moment.

I really enjoyed that part of the story because Isabella and Heathcliff were both acting completely wild and self-destructive. They were basically living a nightmare.

Elordi described his character as trapped in a personal torment, desperately trying to win over Cathy (Margot Robbie). Despite his attempts to draw her back to Wuthering Heights, she remains unmoved and refuses to return.

This is the turning point where his fascination becomes a frantic, all-consuming need, and he completely falls apart. It’s a strong moment for the character, in my opinion.

Nelly (Hong Chau) visits the Heights to see how Isabella is doing, but Isabella continues to act strangely, pretending to be a dog and playfully hinting to the housekeeper that she believes she’s back where she belongs.

According to Elordi, you can tell when it’s Nelly, not Cathy, who’s at the door. He explained that whatever game they were playing has stopped, and the situation is now serious – they’re finally having to deal with reality.

Isabella’s playful wink, added to the scene during filming, shows she’s actively participating in the unfolding events and starting to rebel against the strict and confining life she leads at Thrushcross Grange, where she lives under the control of her guardian, Edgar (her brother in the original story).

Oliver explained that when developing her character, Fennell pointed out Isabella’s repressed nature and history of being treated like a child. This meant that any emotions Isabella expressed would be chaotic and unrefined.

She found herself in a completely unfamiliar and unsettling environment, and much of her reaction was simply dealing with the chaos of being somewhere new.

Wuthering Heights is in cinemas now.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a vibrant, full-colour magazine dedicated to Taylor Swift, is now available! You can find it in newsagents or order it online for only £8.99. This special edition spans 100 pages and is a must-have for any Taylor Swift fan.

Read More

2026-02-18 18:50