Feb 18 • 14:14 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

‘No chemistry between Cathy and Heathcliff’: readers on Wuthering Heights film

Readers review a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, expressing mixed feelings about elements such as character interpretation, music, and emotional depth.

A group of six English teachers recently viewed the new film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' and shared their insights in a group chat. They were captivated by the film's striking visuals, particularly the juxtaposition of lavish costumes against the stark moor landscape, which they felt was well captured by director Fennell. The choice of Charlie XCX's music also drew praise, with the teachers noting that it effectively evoked the spirit of the novel, enhancing the overall experience of the film's setting.

However, despite their appreciation for some artistic choices, the teachers expressed disappointment with various aspects of the adaptation. Central to their critique was the portrayal of key characters, specifically the interpretation of Nellie as a conniving villain rather than the beloved unreliable narrator from the book. Additionally, they felt that Fennell missed an opportunity to explore the deep emotional longing and connection between the lead characters, Cathy and Heathcliff, reducing these complex feelings to something perceived as trivial and silly in the context of film.

The teachers lamented the absence of supernatural elements that are pivotal in Brontë's original work, suggesting that the film lacked a sense of the eerie mystique that defines the novel. They highlighted key scenes, such as Heathcliff's disturbing act of digging up Cathy’s body, which they believed should have been depicted to enhance the film's tension and emotional weight. Overall, the discussion reflected a blend of appreciation for the visual artistry of the adaptation while pointing out significant narrative shortcomings, emphasizing a lack of chemistry between the film's protagonists.

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