Our take
Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights is rated R for sexual content, language, and some violent content. This stylized take on the classic novel foregrounds toxic passion between Catherine and Heathcliff. Expect sensual scenes, harsh class conflict, haunting imagery, and emotional cruelty rather than a faithful school-reading adaptation
Uplifting themes
May spark interest in the novel, though the film is a loose, adult interpretation
Story (may spoil tone)
Tragedy strikes when Heathcliff falls in love with Catherine Earnshaw, a woman from a wealthy family in 18th-century England.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence Beatings, domestic cruelty, and periodic bloody outbursts punctuate the…
Beatings, domestic cruelty, and periodic bloody outbursts punctuate the romance
Language Strong words during arguments and emotional confrontations on the moors
Strong words during arguments and emotional confrontations on the moors
Sex / nudity Passionate, R-rated sensuality is central to Fennell's reimagining of t…
Passionate, R-rated sensuality is central to Fennell's reimagining of the love story
Drugs / alcohol No drugs found in this title
No drugs found in this title
Frightening Ghostly mood, isolation, and emotional terror give the gothic setting a…
Ghostly mood, isolation, and emotional terror give the gothic setting a heavy feel
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse Heathcliff is mistreated as a child. Class cruelty starts in childhood…
Heathcliff is mistreated as a child. Class cruelty starts in childhood and shapes the story
Bullying / discrimination Class prejudice and mistreatment of Heathcliff drive much of the confli…
Class prejudice and mistreatment of Heathcliff drive much of the conflict
Gore / death / weapons Some bloody injury during violent outbursts; not a slasher tone
Some bloody injury during violent outbursts; not a slasher tone
Dangerous behaviour No dangerous behavior found in this title
No dangerous behavior found in this title
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health Obsession, rage, and grief fuel the central relationship
Obsession, rage, and grief fuel the central relationship
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Loss and longing ripple through generations of the story
Loss and longing ripple through generations of the story
Talk after watching
- The film focuses on feeling over plot fidelity. What makes an adaptation honor a book while changing it?
- Heathcliff and Catherine hurt each other repeatedly. Why do stories treat destructive love as romantic?