Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' presents a personal interpretation that deviates from the original novel's essence. By quoting the title, Fennell suggests a protective stance against accusations of infidelity to the source material, yet it raises concerns about accessibility to the original text. The implication is that each reader's experience is unique, and no single version of the story is universally valid.

Fennell's approach to the adaptation is critiqued not because it strays from the novel, which is common for any adaptation, but because it simplifies the narrative. It domesticates the rawness of the original story by sexualizing the relationship between its central characters, Catherine and Heathcliff. This alteration not only changes the tone of the story but also impacts how audiences perceive the complex themes of love and suffering contained within the original work.

The film's release timed with Valentine’s Day introduces an added layer of commentary on society’s interpretation of love stories. It suggests that the cultural industry often dictates what stories like 'Wuthering Heights' should mean, stripping away the deeper emotional struggles in favor of a more palatable narrative. As such, the film may cater to contemporary tastes while failing to engage with the authentic intensity of Emily Brontë’s novel, eliciting debate on the role of adaptations in preserving the integrity of literary classics.