I’m Trevor with the Sasquatch Movie Minute with a look at WUTHERING HEIGHTS, directed by Emerald Fennell. On the foggy Yorkshire moors, a destructive relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff destroys the lives around them.

1.5 out of 5

I think I just missed the boat entirely on the intent and audience for this film. It is a weird, demented, and oddly boring literary adaptation. I don’t know the original text, so I have no connection to the infamous work itself. The film wants to titillate, but since the film depicts two hatefully selfish people, there is no emotional sharing connection to indulge in. It wants to shock, but there is so much emphasis on the provocative acts, that it feels too obvious and telegraphed. I think part of the problem is that the film is sold as a love story and it most positively is NOT a love story. Much more a nasty revenge tale. But hey, the deep color palette is lush and gorgeous, and the set design is stunning (especially the bonkers use of wallpaper).

Best Scene. I’ll admit, the ending got me a bit; but only because it used flashback to completely recontextualize the last 2 hours in a swelling climax. I am so easily manipulated. But then, I loved that even the flashback slyly revealed the manipulative awfulness of this couple.

Best Performance. The film squanders the talents of some incredible actors like Margot Robbie and Hong Chau. Elordi is way out of his depth here. Only Alison Oliver impresses due to her commitment to wild character swings.

The film is a complete failure of tone, performance, and character; but I do appreciate a director taking a unique crazy big cinematic swing!