Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Wuthering Heights: From Gothic Classic to Erotic Thriller?

The first trailer for Emerald Fennell's racy adaptation of Wuthering Heights has already sparked a social media frenzy, with some already branding the film 'erotic softcore porn'

Wuthering Heights Gets a Racy Makeover: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Bring the Heat

Get ready for a Valentine's Day treat that will leave you breathless! The highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, Wuthering Heights, has just dropped its first trailer, and it's got everyone talking. Directed by the notorious Emerald Fennell, known for her edgy works like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, this version promises to be a wild ride.

Starring Margot Robbie as the fiery Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff, fans are going ga-ga over their sizzling chemistry. But don't expect a faithful adaptation of the beloved novel – Fennell's take is said to lean into the "stylised depravity" that has become her hallmark.

Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this racy new version of Emily Bronte's iconic novel is set to hit cinemas on Valentine's Day

Public Hanging, Masturbation Scenes, and BDSM: Wuthering Heights Gets a Racy Makeover

The trailer shows Margot's Catherine getting tangled up with Heathcliff, but it's not just their love story that's got everyone talking. The film opens with a jaw-dropping public hanging scene, where the condemned man "ejaculates mid-execution" while the crowd goes wild in an "orgiastic frenzy." And if that wasn't enough, a nun is seen fondling the corpse's erection.

But that's not all – test screenings have revealed intimate masturbation scenes and BDSM-inspired sex involving horse reins. The camera lingers on suggestive imagery like "egg yolks running through fingers" and "dough being kneaded with quiet aggression." It's clear that Fennell is pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable in a literary adaptation.

Those expecting a faithful adaptation of the beloved work may be in for a rude awakening as Emeralds' film is said to lean into the 'stylised depravity' she has become known for

Fans Go Wild: 'Erotic Softcore Porn' or Artistic Expression?

The trailer has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some fans branding it "erotic softcore porn" and others praising its artistic expression. Some have even accused Fennell of taking creative liberties too far, saying she's "changing the tone & theme of the novel for no reason." But others argue that the gothic genre is inherently erotic, and that their bond between Cathy and Heathcliff is not just about sex, but about a deep spiritual connection.

Cast and Crew: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Emerald Fennell Bring Their A-Game

This was echoed after test screenings last month, with some attendees appalled by the film's jaw-dropping opening scene

Margot and Jacob deliver "committed performances" with great chemistry, according to World of Reel. The film also stars Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff in his first major role after his Emmy-nominated turn in Netflix's Adolescence.

Emerald Fennell has made a name for herself as a daring director, known for her unflinching portrayal of complex themes and characters. With Saltburn, she pushed the boundaries with a scene where Barry Keoghan's titular anti-hero drank the dirty bathwater of his eccentric classmate. Will Wuthering Heights be just as shocking?

Charli XCX to Soundtrack Wuthering Heights: New Original Songs

To add to the excitement, Charli XCX has announced that she'll be creating original songs for the film, posting the trailer on X with a tease of what's to come. With her edgy style and knack for reinventing herself, fans are eager to see how she brings Wuthering Heights to life.

Casting Controversy: Margot Robbie's Age and Jacob Elordi's Ethnicity

However, not everyone is thrilled about the casting choices. Casting director Kharmel Cochrane faced criticism over Margot's age for the role of Catherine Earnshaw, with some fans questioning whether she was too old for the part. There were also questions raised about Jacob Elordi's ethnicity, as Heathcliff is perceived to have a Romany or Gypsy background.

In response, Kharmel said there was "no need to be accurate" since it's just a book adaptation. But fans are divided on whether this is a deliberate choice or simply a mistake. As she teased, there may even be a dog collar in the film – stay tuned for that!

A Brief History of Wuthering Heights: From Emily Brontë to Emerald Fennell

Wuthering Heights was first published by Emily Brontë under the pseudonym Ellis Bell in 1847, just one year before her untimely death. The novel follows the story of an orphan, Heathcliff, taken in by the Earnshaw family and growing close to their daughter Catherine.

Since its publication, Wuthering Heights has been adapted countless times – from A.V. Bramble's 1920 version to Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon's 1939 take that was nominated for Best Picture. But Fennell's adaptation promises to be the most racy yet.

Will You Be Watching? Share Your Thoughts!

So, are you ready for Wuthering Heights' bold new direction? Will you be watching on Valentine's Day or staying away from this "erotic softcore porn"? Let us know in the comments below – we can't wait to hear your thoughts!

TheScholarlyNote.com is your go-to source for all the latest news and updates on Wuthering Heights. Stay tuned for more exclusives, interviews, and behind-the-scenes peeks at this highly anticipated adaptation!

Having seen the trailer for themselves, some fans seemed to agree as they took to X to brand the film 'erotic softcore porn'

The film is also said to feature 'intimate, clinical and purposefully discomforting' masturbation scenes and a BDSM-inspired sex scene involving horse reins

The teaser also gave viewers their first look at Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, in his first major role after Adolescence

Earlier this year, casting director, Kharmel Cochrane defended her choics for the film following complaints that Margot was too old to play the role of Catherine Earnshaw

The film, based on Emily Bronte's iconic novel, follows the story of an orphan, Heathcliff, who is taken in by the Earnshaw family, and he later grows close to his foster sister, Cathy