Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights first reactions are in and it's a "whole other level of hot"

It's safe to say that Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights is among the most hotly anticipated films of the year, with the Saltburn director promising something a little different – and altogether more steamy – than previous big-screen versions of Emily Brontë's classic gothic novel.

Star Margot Robbie previously revealed in an interview with Fandango that Fennell had said her aim was for "people to cry so hard they vomit" while watching the movie – and now we have the first reactions from a select group of people who have been treated to an early screening.

So does it live up to Fennell's hopes? Well, the responses so far certainly skew on the positive side.

Many of the critics have praised the intense chemistry between leads Robbie and Jacob Elordi, with Variety's Jazz Tangacy calling it "a whole other level of HOT!" and journalist Scott Menzel noting that the "sexual tension and chemistry between [them] is so intense you can practically cut it with a knife”.

Critic Courtney Howard went so far as to call the film a "god-tier new classic", branding it "intoxicating, transcendent, tantalising, bewitching, lust worthy, hypnotic" and later clarifying that she found it to be by some distance Fennell's best work as director so far.

Meanwhile, IndieWire's Anne Thompson called it "a rip-roaring, bodice-ripping crowd-pleaser" and Next Best Picture's Matt Neglia said that it "feels entirely singular" while praising its "intoxicating atmosphere", but added that "you’ll either love [Fennell's] bold, colourful approach or not".

Across the board, there has also been significant praise for Linus Sandgren's cinematography and the score and soundtrack from Anthony Willis and Charli xcx, while other craft elements including the production design and costumes have also been greatly acclaimed.

Of course, it should be noted that these first social media reactions almost always come out very positive, and the picture could change when the full review embargo lifts and more critics have been given the chance to watch the film.

But so far, the response seems hugely enthusiastic – and further points to the fact that we should probably be expecting a major box office hit.

In addition to Robbie and Elordi as Cathy and Heathcliffe, the film's cast also includes Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes and Adolescence breakout Owen Cooper.

Wuthering Heights will be released in cinemas on 13th February 2026.

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