Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights Draws Mixed Reactions at Dallas Test Screening

Emerald Fennell's upcoming 2026 adaptation of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has sparked controversy and mixed reactions following a recent test screening in Dallas. The film diverges drastically from the original novel, featuring hyper-sexualized and provocative imagery such as a public hanging that turns grotesquely absurd, BDSM-inspired scenes, and explicit masturbation sequences, reflecting Fennell's signature style of stylised depravity. While Robbie and Elordi received praise for their committed performances, many viewers found their characters cold and unlikable, making it difficult to connect emotionally. Critics and audiences have expressed disappointment with what they perceive as shock-driven content lacking authentic artistic depth, drawing unfavorable comparisons to other auteurs known for meaningful provocation. The film's deliberate unromantic and abrasive tone, combined with controversial casting choices and set designs, suggest a polarizing take that challenges traditional romanticized interpretations of the classic. Overall, the adaptation is expected to provoke strong reactions and debates about its artistic merit and faithfulness to the source material.