‘I watched Wuthering Heights before book and found it disturbing’

Directed by Saltburn’s Emerald Fennell, the narrative draws loosely from English author Emily Bronte’s only novel, originally published in 1847.

The devastating tale chronicles the fierce, all-consuming passion between Catherine Earnshaw, portrayed by Margot Robbie, and Heathcliff, brought to life by Jacob Elordi, unfolding against the stark Yorkshire moorland backdrop while examining their deeply connected existences.

Bronte’s novel also explores themes of passion, obsession and vengeance, earning recognition as an English literary masterpiece. Recently, one man who ventured to the cinemas completely unprepared shared his genuine reaction to the adaptation.

In an online Reddit thread, the post was titled: “I went in blind to Wuthering Heights and boy was I not prepared! (Spoiler free).”

The man commenced: “I’ve never read the book or watched any adaption.”

He added: “My spouse got me into period dramas (I’m usually into horror, the more f***ed up, the better), so we went to see what we thought would be a romantic period piece for Valentine’s Day.”

Following his admission of feeling “scared” about potential tedium, the husband continued: “Boy was I wrong! Can anyone who read the book (which I not bought on Audible) or seen the older movies tell me if the story was ALWAYS this f***ed up?

“These people were straight up sadistic! I watch Saw movies deadpan yet Wuthering Heights somehow disturbed me! It left me feeling emotionally gutted like I felt after watching Requiem for a Dream.

“And the movie was visually stunning! We were both blown away. What were your thoughts?”

Following his post, it attracted numerous responses from viewers sharing their own perspectives.

One viewer remarked: “The book is much, much, crueler.” Another contributed: “It’s considered among the greatest English language novels ever written.”

A third wrote: “I too seen it blindly and I loved it! I went to see it twice. I’m interested in the book now hearing everyone say how much they differed but for what it was worth the movie was really good to me.”

Following its eagerly-awaited premiere, Wuthering Heights has received a spectrum of divided opinions. On IMDb, audiences awarded it a 6.3 out of 10 rating.