By Abigail Grossman

    Once again, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights has hit the big screen with a new adaptation from director Emerald Fennell. Although this adaptation is different from Brontë’s 1847 novel, it captivates fans and critics alike. From the controversial castings to the disturbingly beautiful sets to the historically inaccurate yet sophisticated gowns, everyone is talking about the uniqueness of the film. Recently, I went to the theater to witness it not once but twice, and both viewings left me craving more of the moors.

    During the fall of 2025, I came across some online discussions about an upcoming film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. I had never heard of Wuthering Heights, but I became increasingly interested as teasers and trailers came out for the film. As a lover of literature, I was devoted to reading the book before seeing the movie. Luckily, I received a copy of the novel as a Christmas gift, giving me enough time to finish before the release of the film. After I finished, I understood why the movie was controversial and wondered how it would compare to the book.

    Nevertheless, I decided to enter the theater with an open mind and fully immerse myself in Fennell’s vision. My boyfriend took me to see it on Valentine’s Day, as I had not stopped talking about its release since receiving the book. To my surprise, we both left the theater speechless and wanting to see it again. It was as if we were too stunned to speak, unable to process the roller coaster of emotions we had just witnessed.

    After a few days passed, I found myself thinking about the movie nonstop. The film has a haunting effect similar to that of the book, in which it refuses to leave your head. It is like a ghost at your window, tapping on the glass, luring you to come back and see it again. Luckily for me, my grandma is a huge Jacob Elordi fan, so I asked her to go with me, knowing she would happily say yes. We turned it into a family event as my mom, dad, and sister decided to come as well. To be honest, the movie is not exactly one you would like to see with your family. However, I wanted to know what they would think of it, so I set the awkwardness aside.

    For a second time, the credits began to roll, and I turned to my family members to see their reactions. My sister and dad, bored out of their minds, quickly rose from their seats, ready to go home. On the other hand, my grandma, mom, and I sobbed ceaselessly while clapping our hands in tearful delight. “Well, what did you think?” I asked them. To which they replied with big smiles, “That was excellent!” Seeing the film for the second time with my family made for a lovely bonding moment, which solidified my love for it.

    If you’re considering seeing the movie but are unsure whether you will like it, I say go for it anyway! It is true, this adaptation is different from the novel. There are missing characters, scenes, and story arcs, but that does not take away from the beauty of cinema itself. Keep in mind that the director did not direct the film, wanting it to be exactly like the book. Her unique interpretation demonstrates art’s ability to transcend time. Brontë’s 19th-century novel is so impactful that it continues to be adapted today.

    Regardless of how you feel about the film, it is definitely worth seeing. In an age where entertainment is at our fingertips, it is easy to take going to the movie theater for granted. This is why my favorite thing about this film was that I got to see it with my loved ones. I will always cherish this Valentine’s Day because I went on the perfect movie date. I will never forget being the only family brave enough to see the movie together. I suggest seeing Wuthering Heights with those you love the most, regardless of your thoughts on it or how awkward it gets, because it makes for a great memory.