Margot Robbie’s appearance at the London premiere ofWuthering Heightscaptivated fans, but it was a single, striking accessory that truly ignited conversation. The actress, also a producer on the film, arrived in a breathtaking custom gown by Dilara Findikoglu – a sheer, corseted creation adorned with braids of hair that seemed to flow across her skin.
The intricate detail wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was a deliberate homage to a deeply personal piece of history. Robbie wore a replica of a 175-year-old bracelet, woven with strands of hair belonging to Emily Brontë, author ofWuthering Heights, and her sister Anne. The original, a Victorian mourning bracelet, was once owned by their eldest sister, Charlotte Brontë, and features a central amethyst.
The choice felt perfectly aligned with the film’s dark, passionate narrative – a story of obsessive love between Cathy and Heathcliff. However, initial reactions were mixed, with some fans expressing concern that the bracelet displayed was the genuine article. This worry intensified when reports surfaced that the original piece had been temporarily removed from display at the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
Confirmation soon arrived that Robbie’s bracelet was a meticulously crafted copy, created by Wyedean Weaving, and the museum’s temporary removal was unrelated. The incident echoed past controversies, like Kim Kardashian’s wearing of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress, sparking debate about the boundaries of celebrity access to historical artifacts.
The premiere itself mirrored the novel’s atmosphere. London’s relentless rain fell upon a black carpet, surrounded by trees evoking the windswept Yorkshire moors. Robbie, reflecting on her own rebellious youth, confessed to a past fascination with the novel’s brooding intensity. “I used to cut [my hair] with a razor blade and dye it black. I was so emo!” she recalled with a laugh.
Co-star Jacob Elordi, who portrays Heathcliff, embraced the weather, dedicating his time to connecting with fans and shielding Robbie from the downpour. The cast was united in their praise for director Emerald Fennell’s bold reimagining of the classic tale.
Shazad Latif, who plays Edgar Linton, revealed Fennell’s desire to move beyond the character’s traditional portrayal. “She said, ‘I want to make him a credible threat,’” Latif explained. “She wanted him to be a genuine option for Cathy, making her ultimate choice all the more heartbreaking.”
Latif drew a parallel between the film’s yearning and a similar tragic miscommunication in Shakespeare’sRomeo and Juliet, highlighting the power of music and performance to amplify the emotional core of the story. He emphasized the goal of stretching the audience’s hearts with the film’s intensity.
Oscar nominee Hong Chau, who plays Nelly Dean, described the film’s reception as “gratifying.” She admitted to not having read the novel before taking on the role, a fact Fennell readily accepted. The director saw Nelly as a particularly challenging character, and the two collaborated to shape a nuanced portrayal.
Martin Clunes, known for his role inDoc Martin, portrays Cathy’s father, Mr. Earnshaw, in a significantly darker light than in the original novel. He embodies a harsh, abusive, and alcoholic figure, inheriting traits from Cathy’s brother, Hindley. Clunes embraced the physicality of the role, even to the point of lying in simulated vomit on set, fully committed to Fennell’s vision.
Wuthering Heightspromises a visceral and emotionally charged experience, a bold new interpretation of a beloved classic, arriving in UK and Irish cinemas on February 13th.
