Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' presents a reimagined Heathcliff, who, while often regarded as a romantic hero, is fundamentally a depiction of incel culture. In Brontë's original text, Heathcliff embodies toxic love and obsession, driven by his deep-seated hatred for Cathy after she marries another man. This portrayal raises questions about the nature of love versus abuse, provoked by Heathcliff's unpredictable and dangerous emotional landscape.

Fennell's version, however, is criticized for softening these edges, portraying Heathcliff in a more palatable light while stripping away the gothic horror that defines Brontë's writing. Critics argue that this adaptation sacrifices the essential darkness and complexity of Heathcliff's character for more conventional romantic tropes and superficial sexual encounters. This not only alters the essence of the story but also risks misrepresenting serious themes associated with toxic relationships and obsession.

The discussion surrounding this adaptation taps into broader cultural conversations about the portrayal of masculinity in literature and media. By reframing Heathcliff as a romantic lead rather than a troubled anti-hero, Fennell’s adaptation could inadvertently contribute to romanticizing harmful stereotypes prevalent in contemporary incel culture, potentially leading audiences to overlook the darker undercurrents of Brontë’s work.