The First Scene of ‘Wuthering Heights’ Was Too Much for Some Audiences

A new version of Wuthering Heights has finally reached theaters, and people are already arguing about it. The film, directed by Emerald Fennell, opened worldwide on February 13 and is expected to pull in around 80 million dollars during its first weekend. Box office tracking reports say it is the biggest opening of the year so far.

The movie stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Cathy and Heathcliff, and reactions have been intense. According to early audience reports and social media reactions, some viewers were deeply moved, while others walked out before the film was even halfway over. Much of that reaction comes from the very first scene.

Several critics and viewers at early screenings say the movie opens in complete darkness. At first, the sounds suggest something romantic. That expectation quickly flips. The scene reveals a public hanging, shown in a very raw and uncomfortable way.

The moment includes a visible physical reaction from the executed man, which many viewers were not prepared to see. Industry reporters and audience members at preview screenings say this moment alone caused some people to leave the theater.

Young versions of Heathcliff and Cathy are shown watching the execution, along with Nelly, played by Hong Chau. What unsettled many viewers was Cathy’s reaction. Instead of fear, she appears entertained. This choice clearly sets the tone for the story and signals that this Cathy is not meant to be gentle or innocent.

The original cut of the scene was even more extreme. Early versions reportedly included a nun reacting in a s****l way to the execution. After negative feedback and walkouts during previews, the scene was toned down before the final release. Even so, many viewers still describe it as disturbing.

Emerald Fennell has spoken about the opening in recent interviews promoting the film. She said the goal was to show that desire and danger are closely linked in this story. She explained that she wanted to avoid the usual soft and romantic look people expect from period dramas.

As she put it, arousal and danger are kind of the same thing. She also said it mattered that the first thing we see is Cathy, this young girl, seemingly frightened but then actually delighted.

The movie has also sparked debate for cutting out the second half of the original novel. Instead of following the next generation, the film stays focused on the obsessive relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff. Fans of the book have been vocal online, with some praising the bold choice and others calling it incomplete.

Critically, the response has been mixed. Review aggregators currently list the film at around 62 percent, with praise for the performances but criticism aimed at the tone and pacing. Financially, however, the movie is clearly connecting with enough people to succeed.

Outside the film, Margot Robbie continues to juggle acting and producing, with reports that she is developing a live-action movie based on The Sims and considering new major projects. Jacob Elordi is also having a strong year, earning praise for his recent role as the creature in a new Frankenstein adaptation.

Whether audiences love it or hate it, this version of Wuthering Heights is clearly doing what Fennell intended. It is making people uncomfortable, starting conversations, and refusing to play it safe.

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