Test Screening of Wuthering Heights Sparks Controversy Over Graphic Content

Dallas, Texas — A recent test screening of Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights has caused uproar among audience members due to its graphic sexual content. The film, slated for release on February 13, 2026, features Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as the ill-fated lovers, Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

The screening took place on August 4, 2025, with reports indicating a “mixed” reaction from attendees. An article described the film as containing “hyper-sexualized imagery — far more explicit than any previous adaptation.” It notably includes a shocking opening scene involving a public hanging followed by grotesque elements that left some viewers unsettled.

From the start, the film does not shy away from provocation. According to reports, the opening scene sees a condemned man reaching a climax mid-execution, triggering an intense reaction from the onlooking crowd. Another controversial moment includes a woman being restrained in horse reins for a BDSM-inspired scene, alongside intimate, clinical portrayals of masturbation that reflect Fennell’s distinctive style.

The adaptation has drawn comparisons to Fennell’s previous work in Saltburn, known for its audacious content, such as a character drinking bathwater and other provocative images. Critics note that although the film veers into stylized depravity, both Elordi and Robbie deliver strong performances, showcasing notable chemistry.

Wuthering Heights was originally published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. This tragic tale explores the tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, set against the backdrop of the desolate Yorkshire moors. Fennell’s adaptation promises to reinterpret this classic narrative through a contemporary lens that embraces bold themes.

The response to the film may indicate a shift in how classic literature is approached in modern cinema, raising questions about fidelity to source material versus artistic freedom. As the film’s release date approaches, continued discourse regarding its themes is expected.