Wuthering Heights has become a trending topic on social media and among students at Plant High School. The film is not a typical modern romantic comedy. Instead, it returns to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, telling a darker and more intense love story.
A new adaptation of Wuthering Heights was released Feb. 13, 2026, just ahead of Valentine’s Day. The timing aligned with the holiday, though the film’s tone is far from lighthearted. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the movie stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. It offers a new interpretation of Emily Brontë’s Gothic novel Wuthering Heights, set against the windswept moors of Yorkshire.
The story follows the turbulent relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff, exploring themes of obsession, class conflict and emotional isolation. The adaptation blends period elements with a bold visual style and heightened tone, reflecting Fennell’s signature storytelling approach. The release marks one of the most high-profile versions of the novel in recent years, continuing the tradition of reimagining Brontë’s work for modern audiences.
Clothing and Set Design Controversy
One of the most talked-about aspects of the film is its costume design. Rather than aiming for strict historical accuracy, the 2026 adaptation intentionally favors emotional and stylistic expression. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran incorporates anachronistic fabrics and blends Elizabethan, Victorian and 1950s influences to create what many have described as a “fever dream” aesthetic.
The film mixes elements from multiple eras, avoiding a single historical timeline. The wardrobe draws inspiration from 19th-century portraits, Old Hollywood Technicolor films from the 1930s through the 1950s and modern fashion archives such as McQueen and Chanel.
Costumes are used symbolically to reflect the characters’ emotional states. Cathy’s wardrobe, for example, centers on ruby and burgundy tones to represent her intense and often destructive emotions. While some 18th-century silhouettes remain, the designs incorporate modern-cut corsets and materials that appear almost synthetic in certain scenes, reinforcing the film’s heightened and surreal tone.
As a viewer who didn’t quite understand this concept, the visuals were still incredibly eye-catching and were admired. It definitely felt like it was a big part of the storytelling throughout the movie.
Overall, the costumes have been described as a high-fashion vision rather than a documentary-style recreation. The emphasis is on visual storytelling and mood rather than strict historical precision.
Student Opinion
Students at Plant High School have shared strong reactions to the film.
“I loved it. I did not read the book, so I had nothing to compare it to.” Cyci Tsoupeis (11) said, “The ending had me in tears, and I felt like the time went by super fast, which is not normal for me when I watch movies.” PULL QUOTE
Another student also reacted emotionally to the ending. “It was the best movie ever. I didn’t like how their love story ended, which made me cry. It was really sad. Peyton Hussey (12) said, “I liked the set design and the soundtrack, and the costumes were all amazing. I don’t think the movie would be the same without Robbie and Elordi.”
Although there were some opposing views about the movie. Many complained that the movie wasn’t an accurate adaptation of the book. Yet it wasn’t Fennell’s main focus. According to The Guardian, she claims, “no one is in agreement about any element of it”, and she added, “I can’t make something for everyone.”
“I loved Wuthering Heights, I thought it was its own adaptation. Even though it wasn’t book accurate, I didn’t mind.” Presley Parry (11) said, “The costume design and set were so unique and compelling. It made me cry really hard, and I would watch again.”
Personally, I believe no other romantic movie has truly depicted true love as well as Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff and Earnshaw had a deep, loving connection from the time they were children. Their love for each other was unwavering, yet it took a toxic and realistic turn as they got older. It was a soul-consuming love that brought them both to dark places under the laws and social values of the Victorian era, keeping them apart. This kind of love story has reached the hearts of many people. Take one look around when the movie’s lights turn on, and the end credits roll, and you are most likely to see a crying face.
As discussions continue both online and on campus, the 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights has clearly left a strong impression. Whether praised for its bold visuals or debated for its historical inaccuracy, the film has sparked conversation and renewed interest in a classic story.