Italian
The Yorkshire Moors are about to get freaky
Emerald Fennell is teasing her own film adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” the famed 1847 gothic novel by Emily Brontë about two families living in northern England.
The “Saltburn” filmmaker posted about the project on social media, sharing a graphic that reads, “Be with me always – Take any form – Drive me mad,” a line from the novel. Insiders tell Variety that the filmmaker will reteam with MRC, the studio behind her hit “Saltburn.”
A legacy of adaptations
There have been a handful of screen adaptations of “Wuthering Heights” throughout the years, including William Wyler’s 1939 film starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon; Robert Fuest’s 1970 movie with Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall; and Peter Kosminsky’s 1992 film led by Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. There have been two TV movies — in 2009 with Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley, and in 2011 with James Howson and Kaya Scodelario — and two series, in 1978 and 1998.
Fennell’s latest film, 2023’s much-discussed “Saltburn,” starring Jacob Elordi and a bathwater-slurping Barry Keoghan, had a heavy gothic influence. Watch the trailer for Saltburn.
The gothic allure
“I’ve always been obsessed with the gothic,” Fennell wrote in a January 2024 column for the Los Angeles Times. “Whether it was Edward Gorey’s children who are variously choked by peaches, sucked dry by leeches or smothered by rugs; Du Maurier’s imperiled heroines or the disturbing erotic power of Angela Carter’s fairy tales, the gothic world has always had me in its grip. It’s a genre where comedy and horror, revulsion and desire, sex and death are forever entwined, where every exchange is heavy with the threat of violence, or sex or both.”
Fennell’s other works include the 2020 rape-revenge thriller “Promising Young Woman,” which nabbed five Oscar nominations, and “Killing Eve,” on which she served as Season 2 head writer and executive producer. Watch the trailer for Promising Young Woman.
A new vision for a classic tale
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” promises to bring a fresh, modern perspective to the classic tale. With her unique vision and deep understanding of the gothic genre, Fennell is poised to create a film that will captivate both new audiences and long-time fans of the novel. The anticipation is palpable as we await more details about the cast and release date.
Fennell’s representatives did not immediately return Variety‘s request for comment.
Reflecting on the gothic genre
The gothic genre has always been a fascinating blend of horror, romance, and psychological depth. It explores the darkest corners of the human psyche, often revealing uncomfortable truths about society and ourselves. Fennell’s work, with its sharp wit and unflinching gaze, fits perfectly within this tradition. Her films and series challenge viewers to confront their fears and desires, making them think long after the credits roll.
As we look forward to Fennell’s take on “Wuthering Heights,” it’s worth revisiting the original novel and its previous adaptations. Each version offers a different lens through which to view the story, reflecting the cultural and social contexts of their times. Fennell’s adaptation will undoubtedly add a new layer to this rich tapestry, inviting us to see the familiar tale in a new light.
The future of gothic cinema
Emerald Fennell’s upcoming projects, including her adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” signal a bright future for gothic cinema. Her ability to blend horror, humor, and social commentary sets her apart as a filmmaker to watch. As we eagerly await her next film, we can only imagine the dark, twisted, and beautiful worlds she will create.
the gothic genre’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke deep thought. It reminds us that beauty and terror often go hand in hand, and that the line between love and madness is perilously thin. Fennell’s work captures this essence perfectly, making her one of the most exciting voices in contemporary cinema.
