TL;DR: Emerald Fennell’s 2026 reimagining of Wuthering Heights is officially here, and it’s not the dusty, period-accurate drama you might remember from high school English. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this is an R-rated, "psychosexual" gothic thriller that has been trending on TikTok for months. If your teen is obsessed with "Dark Academia" or followed the Saltburn craze, this is likely at the top of their watchlist.
Quick Recommendations for Gothic Vibes:
- For a safer classic: Jane Eyre (2011 movie)
- For the "Dark Academia" book fix: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- For the "toxic romance" discussion: Twilight or Normal People
If you haven’t been keeping up with the production drama, here’s the scoop: Emerald Fennell (the director who gave us the neon-soaked revenge of Promising Young Woman and the viral "bathtub scene" in Saltburn) has taken on Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
The story follows the intense, destructive relationship between Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and the brooding foundling Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). While the Wuthering Heights book is already famous for being "toxic," Fennell has cranked the dial to eleven. This version leans heavily into the gothic horror and psychosexual obsession of the moors, making it more of a psychological thriller than a traditional romance.
You might be wondering why a 178-year-old story is suddenly the hottest thing on Instagram. It comes down to three things:
1. The Cast
Jacob Elordi is currently the internet’s favorite "complicated" leading man. Between Euphoria and his role as Elvis in Priscilla, he has a massive teen and YA following. Pairing him with Margot Robbie makes this an "event" movie for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
2. The "Aesthetic"
The "Dark Academia" and "Gothic Romance" subcultures are huge on TikTok. This movie fits perfectly into the vibe of moody landscapes, vintage fashion, and tragic, rain-soaked longing.
3. The "Toxic" Allure
There is a massive trend on social media right now romanticizing "red flag" characters. Heathcliff is the original red flag. Teens are drawn to the drama of "love so strong it destroys everyone," and Fennell’s stylistic choices lean right into that obsession.
Ask our chatbot about the "Dark Academia" trend and what it means for your teen
This is not a "family movie night" pick. Here’s the "no-BS" breakdown of why this movie earned its R-rating:
- Psychosexual Themes: Fennell is known for exploring the darker, more visceral side of desire. Expect scenes that are sexually charged, though often more focused on power dynamics and obsession than just "romance."
- Graphic Violence and Self-Harm: The moors are brutal. There is significant depictions of animal cruelty (true to the book, unfortunately), physical abuse, and characters engaging in self-destructive behaviors that border on self-harm.
- Toxic Dynamics: This is the core of the film. Heathcliff and Cathy do not have a healthy relationship. They manipulate, hurt, and haunt each other. For a younger teen, this can be confusing—especially when the movie makes it look "cool" or "aesthetic."
- Language and Intensity: The emotional intensity of the film is high-decibel. It’s a loud, crashing, stressful viewing experience.
Ages 13 and Under: A hard no. The psychological complexity and the graphic nature of the "psychosexual" themes are likely too much. If they want the story, try the Wuthering Heights (1939 movie) or a graphic novel adaptation.
Ages 14-16: Use caution. If your teen is mature and you’ve already navigated shows like Stranger Things or movies like Little Women (2019), they might be asking for this. This is a great opportunity for a "co-watch" or a very deep debrief afterward.
Ages 17+: This is the target demographic. At this age, the focus should be on media literacy—understanding that just because a movie is beautiful doesn't mean the behavior on screen is aspirational.
Check out our guide on talking to teens about toxic relationships in media
If your teen sees the movie (or just the viral clips on Snapchat), here are a few ways to open a conversation without sounding like a lecture:
- "Why do you think they're so obsessed with each other?" This gets them thinking about the difference between love and obsession.
- "Heathcliff is often called a 'hero' in some circles, but what are the 'red flags' you see in his behavior?" This helps them identify manipulative traits.
- "Emerald Fennell has a very specific style. How did the music and the colors change how you felt about the scary parts?" This builds media literacy.
If your teen is craving that gothic, moody atmosphere but maybe isn't ready for the full R-rated Fennell experience, consider these alternatives:
For the younger crowd (12+) who loves the gothic aesthetic, dark humor, and a bit of mystery without the heavy psychosexual themes.
The "sister" novel to Wuthering Heights. It’s still gothic and intense, but Jane is a much more grounded, self-respecting protagonist than Catherine Earnshaw.
Another gothic "haunted house" story with a heavy emphasis on atmosphere and psychological tension, but generally more accessible for older teens.
Guillermo del Toro’s gothic romance is also R-rated for violence, but it’s more of a "ghost story" and less about the specific brand of psychosexual manipulation found in Fennell’s work.
Wuthering Heights (2026) is a stunning, provocative, and highly stylized piece of filmmaking that is designed to get under your skin. It’s the ultimate "BookTok" bait.
While it’s a brilliant way to get kids interested in classic literature, don't let the "classic" label fool you. This is a modern, R-rated thriller that deals with heavy themes of obsession and abuse. If you have a teen who is dying to see it, make sure you’re ready to have the "red flag" conversation afterward.
Next Steps: