‘Wuthering Heights’ Opens With a Scene That Pushed Some Viewers Too Far

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Emerald Fennell’s new take on the classic story Wuthering Heights has opened in theaters to a big response, matching the strong reactions to the film itself. Released worldwide on February 13th, the movie is predicted to earn around $80 million in its opening weekend. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the famous lovers, the film has deeply affected viewers – some have been moved to tears, while others have strong, differing opinions about the director’s unique approach.

Much of the discussion around the film centers on its shocking opening scene, which immediately throws viewers into the grim world of the story. Despite initial marketing and a pop soundtrack suggesting a more sensational approach, the film quickly takes a much darker path.

The film starts in complete darkness, with a sound that initially seems like a romantic moment. However, it soon reveals a disturbing public execution by hanging. The scene’s impact is amplified by the graphic depiction of the execution, clearly visible to the onlookers. Young versions of the main characters, Heathcliff, Cathy, and Nelly, are among those watching, with Hong Chau playing Nelly.

Instead of being horrified, young Cathy reacts with a strange mix of amusement and delight, a deliberate choice to establish her unconventional and often cruel personality from the beginning. Early test screenings reportedly showed an even more provocative version of the scene.

Originally, a strict nun observing the execution was depicted as aroused, with some accounts claiming she was touching the body. Following negative reactions and walkouts during previews, the final version was toned down to be less explicit, though it remains deeply unsettling.

Emerald Fennell explained her choice to begin the film with a shocking image, saying it immediately establishes the central theme: that excitement and threat are closely linked. She wanted to break away from the traditional, gentle style of historical dramas, often filled with pretty colors and pleasant scenes. Fennell felt it was crucial to show viewers that the world of the Brontës was actually dangerous and strange, and that the opening scene – showing a young Cathy initially appearing scared but then becoming pleased – perfectly captured this unsettling atmosphere.

Beyond her acclaimed role as Cathy, Margot Robbie is successfully juggling acting and producing through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment. She’s currently working on a live-action movie based on The Sims and is reportedly set to star alongside Ryan Gosling in a prequel to Ocean’s Eleven. Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi, who’s moved from teen stardom to critically acclaimed roles, is receiving praise for his performance as the monster in Guillermo del Toro’s recently released Frankenstein.

Shazad Latif plays Edgar Linton and Martin Clunes portrays the troubled Mr. Earnshaw in the film. Although critics are divided – it currently has a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – the movie has been a major financial hit, earning the biggest opening weekend of any film this year. Book fans are still discussing the director’s choice to only cover the first half of the story, concentrating on the central relationship between the main characters.

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2026-02-16 12:14