Passion, envy, and tension flies in the air in this fresh adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel proves Emerald Fennell as one of this generation’s finest filmmakers. The cinematography and score are especially what take the story to a whole other plane, with stunning backdrops and a transfixing score and soundtrack casting a spell on you. Charli XCX’s original songs enhance and transform some moments in the film, and leave you maybe even wanting more of them. Margot Robbie is splendid as Catherine Earnshaw, who finds her conflicted in her sense of self, including lust, love, and wealth, in a star-crossed romance with Heathcliffe, brought to life with a quiet yet thundering longing from Jacob Elordi. Hong Chau is also a huge standout as perhaps the most moral character in the film, as is Alison Oliver who takes her role to many surprising places.
It’s truly Fennell’s vision that elevates this story that’s been told over several installments, but the beauty in many emotional scenes comes from the push between a world that rewards status and control and characters born of virtue and good, who uncover deep dark capabilities within them. I again can’t understate the power of the music that takes a whole life of its own. Though the back half threatens to drag, it picks up for a strong ending, by which Robbie, Elordi, and Chau have stunned with their performances in this eye-popping and transporting romantic drama.
Rating: ★★★★½
Review by: Gal Balaban