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Love it or loathe it, 'Wuthering Heights' has people talking—and buying tickets. With an astounding $11 million opening day gross, the most recent version of Emily Brontë's classic novel, which was directed by Emerald Fennell and starred Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has swept into theaters. The film's passionate storytelling and undeniable on-screen chemistry, which combines gothic romance with contemporary cinematic intensity, have sparked debate among critics—but audiences are clearly intrigued.
A Timeless Tale Reimagined
'Wuthering Heights' restored one of the most passionate love stories in literature to the public eye with a contemporary cinematic flourish when it debuted in theaters on 13th February. This most recent version of Emily Brontë's 1847 classic, which was written and directed by Emerald Fennell, stars Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine "Cathy" Earnshaw. The two characters are bound by a fierce, destructive connection that has captivated readers and viewers for generations.
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The plot of the movie follows closely to the main idea of the original story: Raised on the desolate Yorkshire moors, Cathy develops an unbreakable friendship with Heathcliff, an orphan, only to be ripped apart by heartbreak, obsession, and class. As they circle back into each other's lives, their love blurs into ruinous passion—a theme that Fennell brings to life with lush cinematography and a visceral, emotional edge.
Robbie's portrayal of Cathy has received accolades for its emotional depth in the midst of this dramatic retelling, and Elordi's portrayal of Heathcliff has the brooding complexity that viewers have anticipated for a long time. The film's main focus is the characters' chemistry, which has frequently been characterized as "sizzling" and intense, giving the gothic romance a fresh and compelling energy for modern viewers.
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Fans of the original novel have expressed both respect and disagreement with this method, and discussions regarding fidelity to the source material are still going strong as audience provide their opinions.
Box Office Triumph on Valentine's Weekend
Despite differing opinions among critics on Fennell's daring adaptation, 'Wuthering Heights' is unquestionably doing well at the box office over Valentine's weekend. The movie made an estimated $11 million domestically on its first day alone, placing it top at the U.S. box office and demonstrating how eager people are to witness this intense drama on the big screen. Early weekend projections indicate that the film may earn $40 million domestically over the course of the four-day holiday, with potential contributions from overseas markets.
This would result in a global opening that is comparable to its estimated $80 million production budget.
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This strong performance, especially in a competitive theatrical landscape, shows that even a divisive adaptation can draw crowds when anchored by star power and a timeless story. 'Wuthering Heights' has led Friday ticket sales and maintained its place over the weekend when compared to other new releases, such as action thrillers and animated flicks. There is no doubt that its launch has surpassed many expectations for a period love drama, even though some question whether its long-term viability will match its initial fervor.
Chemistry, Debate, and What's Next
Wuthering Heights' intense emotional content contributes to its appeal. Robbie and Elordi's portrayal of Cathy and Heathcliff brings a raw, sometimes uncomfortably close connection to the screen, inviting audiences to feel every heartbreak and fiery moment alongside them. Online conversations have been sparked by this chemistry, the expansive Yorkshire setting, and a rich musical score.
Going forward, the movie's performance at the box office will rely on how word-of-mouth influences attendance, especially after Valentine's Day. Regardless of whether audiences adore Wuthering Heights' approach or continue to debate it long after the credits have rolled, it looks set to be one of the major talking points of 2026 film, with international markets continuing to report high interest and ticket sales.
