Wuthering Heights has become one of the most talked about romantic dramas of 2026. Directed by Emerald Fennellthe film stars Jacob Elord as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw. It released in theatres on February 13, 2026.
The story is loosely inspired by Wuthering Heights written by Emily Bronte.
The film begins in 1800s England. A young boy named Heathcliff, played by Owen Cooper, is adopted by Mr. Earnshaw. He grows up in the Earnshaw estate called Wuthering Heights. There he meets Catherine, played as a child by Charlotte Mellington.
Heathcliff and Catherine become inseparable. They run through fields. They laugh together. They share secrets. But not everyone is happy. Nelly Dean, the housekeeper, dislikes how close they are.
Over time, the estate begins to fall apart. Mr. Earnshaw struggles with alcohol and gambling. The once grand house slowly loses its charm.
Do Heathcliff and Catherine fall in love?
As they grow older, Heathcliff and Catherine clearly fall in love. Their bond becomes intense. It feels deep and raw. But society stands in the way.
Catherine starts caring about status. She knows Heathcliff is not wealthy. A rich neighbour named Edgar shows interest in her. He offers comfort and security.
When Edgar proposes, Catherine confesses to Nelly that she loves Heathcliff. But in the same breath, she insults Heathcliff and calls him beneath her. Heathcliff overhears this. He is shattered. He leaves Wuthering Heights without telling anyone.
Catherine is heartbroken when she learns he is gone. She waits for one year. Then she marries Edgar. She moves to Thrushcross Grange and begins a life of luxury.
Five years later, while Catherine is pregnant with Edgar’s child, Heathcliff returns. He is now wealthy. No one knows how he made his fortune. He buys Wuthering Heights.
Catherine meets him again after her father’s death. Their old feelings return. Heathcliff teases her by showing interest in her sister Isabella. Out of jealousy, Catherine begins a secret affair with Heathcliff.
Nelly tries to stop them. Catherine refuses to listen. To protect Catherine’s marriage and her unborn child, Nelly tells Edgar about the affair.
When Heathcliff learns that Catherine is pregnant with Edgar’s baby, he reacts with anger. He marries Isabella out of spite. His goal is not love. It is revenge and attention.
Wuthering Heights ending explained
After marrying Isabella, Heathcliff keeps writing letters to Catherine. Nelly secretly reads them and tears them apart. Catherine never sees them.
Feeling alone and misunderstood, Catherine locks herself in a room. She refuses to eat. Her health declines fast. She suffers a miscarriage and loses her baby. At first, Nelly doubts her. But soon she realizes Catherine is truly ill.
Nelly informs Heathcliff that Catherine is dying. He rushes to see her. He finds her weak and close to death.
Catherine dies of sepsis. It is sudden and tragic. Heathcliff is devastated. He holds her lifeless body and breaks down. Childhood memories flash before his eyes. The innocence. The promises. The love that once felt pure.
In his grief, Heathcliff curses himself. He begs to be haunted by Catherine’s ghost. He cannot imagine a life without her.
Emerald Fennell’s version does not soften the tragedy. It shows love that is passionate but destructive. It shows pride that ruins everything. The ending leaves viewers shaken. It reminds us that some love stories are not meant to survive.
Comments are closed.