‘Wuthering Heights’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Drops, Dividing Critics
Emerald Fennell’s new film “Wuthering Heights” is starting its cinema run with a mixed reaction from critics. The movie now has a 71 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes after first appearing on the site with 66 percent. The early numbers suggest the response has improved slightly but remains divided.
The romantic drama stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. The supporting cast includes Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell.
The film is written and directed by Emerald Fennell and is loosely based on Emily Brontë’s famous novel. It premiered at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on January 28 and will be released in theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures on February 13.
Drive me mad. “Wuthering Heights” comes to theaters Valentine’s Day. pic.twitter.com/n4UNA1nKmh
— WutheringHeightsMovie (@wuthering_hts) September 3, 2025
Several critics praised the film’s look, music and performances. Avi Offer from NYC Movie Guru called it “a s***, exhilarating and visually stunning adaptation of the classic novel by Emily Brontë” and even suggested awards attention could follow. Tyler Taing from Discussing Film said the movie is “visually stunning and enhanced by dreamy original music by Charli xcx,” but added that the director’s take on the story may divide viewers.
Nadine Whitney from The Curb was very enthusiastic and described the movie as “e****, carnal, defiant, sumptuous, and mad – a work of devastating craving and infatuation.” Rodrigo Perez from The Playlist called it “a big-screen fever dream of ache and viciousness.”
Some reviewers liked parts of the movie but still had strong concerns. Carla Hay from Culture Mix wrote that it is “a feast for the senses with compelling performances but is often style over substance.” Anthony Morris from It’s Better in the Dark said the film has good moments but “its strengths are scattered.” Wenlei Ma from The Nightly gave it 3 out of 5 and said the movie is “a bewildering mess.”
Other critics were much more negative. Kristy Puchko from Mashable said the film “feels like a passionate but incoherent collage of teenage lust and rebellion.” Siddhant Adlakha from JoySauce.com called it “narratively scattered and tonally unwieldy.” Brandon Lewis from Geek Vibes Nation said the film turns into “primary-color melodrama that teeters between vulgarity and tedium.” Hanna Flint from IGN Movies wrote that it feels “too forced, like a sales bin, smutty romance novel come to life.” Robert Kojder from Flickering Myth praised the visuals but said the story feels “emotionally flat.”
Overall, the first wave of reviews shows that the movie is dividing critics. Many agree the film looks beautiful and takes big risks, but opinions differ on whether the story works.
This kind of reaction may actually help the film because it gets people talking. Some viewers may be curious to see why opinions are so split. What do you think about these early reviews and the Rotten Tomatoes score? Share your thoughts in the comments.