Wuthering Heights – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Wuthering Heights – The Frailty of Romance, Time and Forever

Through the passage of time, we embark on journeys with hopes of finding connections.  Through the unknown is a place where moments and emotions become a foundation of memories, but also a place where stories are born.  In these stories there are threads of possibilities that can become a grip for all.  In the dramas that unfold, as an audience we ask the question … is the experience worth it.  In this review, I look at the latest romance to hit the big screen.  Diving into the latest novel adaptation, we head on a journey where love becomes enraptured in creative detail.  Even when clichés abound, Wuthering Heights is a tale of how longing emotions become a dagger for the heart.

In a relationship defined by time, two people will explore what it truly means to be in love.  To look at a story is to see defining moments.  From action to suspense, the definition builds off a foundation that can become a memorable experience.  When it comes to romance films, ‘love’ is a matter of situations and characters.  From modern tales to period pieces, you feel that grip through passion and emotions that unfold.  These elements are true with this film, with some creative aspects.  In the beginning, we come into this period piece through an artistic prologue before we meet Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff as children.  Through convenient plot elements, Heathcliff is brought to live at the Earnshaw’s estate as a servant boy.  Through their early childhood, a friendship is formed, leading to a series of melodramatic sequences that play upon class, status and child-like innocence.  It is in these scenes that they begin to develop emotions for one another, building up that foundation of the ‘star-cross lovers’.  Once these emotions become evident, the film moves forward when they are adults, as Catherine (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi), start to waver in what is truly possible (between them).  This leads through more melodramatic sequences, creating a schism that leads them down two different paths.  This is where the film changes from a romantic cliché journey into a creative love paradox.

Once the film dives further into the schism, creative twists are made (by the filmmakers) that mark the sensual appeal with soap operatic stylings.  Each conversation becomes a clash-like masquerade, where raw emotional fervor unravels in hollow moments.  Even with all of this, when the focus is brought back to our main leads ‘timely’ relationship, we end up with a romantic like climax fitting for a film in this genre.  Wuthering Heights is a romance that takes risks in its adaptation.  If you are a fan of the novel or enjoy character or period piece films, I say check it out.  In the end, I think there is enjoyment here to experience it on the big screen.

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)