Wuthering Heights – Budget of $80 million – 2 hours and 16 minutes
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After celebrating a hanging, Cathy and Nelly run home to Wuthering Heights. Cathy sobs as her father, Mr. Earnshaw, returns with a young man. Cathy’s intrigued by the young boy, but having another person to care for annoys the staff. When the young boy refuses to speak, Cathy names him Heathcliff, and Mr. Earnshaw declares him to be Cathy’s pet. Cathy and Heathcliff’s friendship grows. On Mr. Earnshaw’s birthday, Cathy and Heathcliff get caught in a rainstorm. Heathcliff begs them to leave so they won’t get in trouble. However, Cathy tells him to stay because her father would never get mad at her. But a drunken Mr. Earnshaw rages. He blames Cathy, but Heathcliff takes responsibility for their actions. Nelly pulls Cathy into another room when Mr. Earnshaw takes off his belt. Cathy cries as she hears Mr. Earnshaw beat him. Afterward, Cathy soothes Heathcliff’s bloody back, and he promises to take care of her forever.
Years later, Cathy bounces with joy when new neighbors move onto the property nearby. The Linton family is vastly wealthy from manufacturing velvet. Cathy writes them a correspondence, but they never answer. Cathy knows the man of the house will fall in love with her if they meet. And she can live her life in comfort. She wants to visit the home, but Nelly warns her that’s unladylike. Cathy sneaks over to their home and hears Isabella gush to her brother, Edgar, about Romeo and Juliet (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Then, Isabella squeals when she sees Cathy peering over the wall. Edgar checks on Cathy and discovers that she injured her ankle. They allow her to stay while Cathy writes Nelly letters to keep in touch. Mr. Earnshaw beams with pride because his daughter will secure his future.
Weeks later, Cathy returns with a new look. When Edgar proposes, Cathy says yes. She admits her regret to Nelly. She will marry Edgar to rise in status, but she loves Heathcliff. Marrying him would degrade her, even though she’s madly in love with him. Heathcliff overhears the first part and leaves town. Cathy cries and waits patiently for him to return. After a year, Nelly convinces Cathy to wed because Heathcliff will never return. Cathy walks down the aisle and sinks into Edgar’s lavish lifestyle. Will she give it all up when Heathcliff finally returns?
This film, inspired by Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, has stunning views, sets, and costumes (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The director utilizes the landscape to allow Cathy and Heathcliff’s love to flourish. They escape the farmland and run to the spacious cliffside to be alone and away from the dark and confining farmhouse. Edgar’s home is enormous but slightly frightening. The rooms have off-putting themes but scream opulence. Cathy’s transformation from a bourgeois farm girl to a wealthy man’s wife is remarkable. Viewers should watch for Cathy’s color palette throughout the film. She wears red when she’s hiding herself from those around her. The more she hides, the more dominant the color becomes in the scene. At one point, an entire floor is covered in red. The set design, costumes, and cinematography will be the focus of the next award season. Book lovers shouldn’t expect an adaptation. This story uses the character’s name but changes almost everything else. Now, this story falls short based on the viewers’ maturity level. Heathcliff and Cathy never grew up. They play tit for tat with each other’s emotions. And it has a devastating effect on those around them. They are just pawns in their chess game. Nothing will make you seethe more than the selfish dialogue between Heathcliff and Cathy. Their love met a fitting conclusion.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I have nothing to do – Isabella
This is good. It is good, Kathy – Nelly
You’re pleased with yourself – Heathcliff
May I assist you? – Edgar
I love you – Cathy
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Categories: Alison Oliver, Ewan Mitchell, Hong Chau, In The Theater, Jacob Elordi, Margot Robbie, Martin Clunes, movie, review, Shazad Latif, Wuthering Heights
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