Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Is In — See What The Critics Are Saying

Emerald Fennell’s new film Wuthering Heights has officially landed on Rotten Tomatoes, and the first reactions show a mixed response from critics after weeks of promotion and early screenings.

The romantic drama, led by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, currently holds a 71 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes after first appearing on the site with 66 percent. The numbers suggest the film is getting a middle-of-the-road reception so far.

Wuthering Heights is written and directed by Emerald Fennell and is loosely inspired by Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel. Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw while Elordi takes on the role of Heathcliff. The cast also includes Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell. The movie premiered at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Jan. 28 and will be released in theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures on Feb. 13.

Drive me mad. “Wuthering Heights” comes to theaters Valentine’s Day. pic.twitter.com/n4UNA1nKmh

— WutheringHeightsMovie (@wuthering_hts) September 3, 2025

Some critics praised the movie’s look, performances, and bold tone. Avi Offer from NYC Movie Guru called it “a s****, exhilarating and visually stunning adaptation of the classic novel by Emily Brontë” and suggested it could appear during awards season.

Lupe Rodriguez Haas from CineMovie.tv said the film delivers “a provocative version of Cathy and Heathcliff’s toxic romance” and added that it is “much more than the Harlequin novel the trailers positioned it as.” Nadine Whitney from The Curb was very positive and described the movie as “e****, carnal, defiant, sumptuous, and mad – a work of devastating craving and infatuation.”

Other reviewers liked parts of the film but felt it had major flaws. Tyler Taing from Discussing Film gave it 3.5 out of 5 and said it is “visually stunning and enhanced by dreamy original music by Charli xcx,” but warned that the director’s interpretation of the story could divide audiences. Carla Hay from Culture Mix said the film offers a “more grown-up and more explicitly e**** drama,” but added that it often feels like “style over substance.” Anthony Morris from It’s Better in the Dark said the movie has strong moments, but “its strengths are scattered.”

Several critics were far more negative. Kristy Puchko from Mashable wrote that 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.” Hanna Flint from IGN Movies gave a very harsh review, saying it feels “too forced” and compared it to “a smutty romance novel come to life.” Brandon Lewis from Geek Vibes Nation said the film turns into “primary-color melodrama that teeters between vulgarity and tedium.” Robert Kojder from Flickering Myth praised the visuals but said the story feels “emotionally flat.”

Overall, the early response shows that Wuthering Heights is dividing critics. Many agree the film looks beautiful and takes big creative risks, but opinions differ on whether those choices work.

So far, the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score suggests a mixed but slightly positive reception. What do you think about these early reviews? Share your thoughts in the comments.