Charli XCX And Anthony Willis Make A Sonic Fever Dream Out Of ‘Wuthering Heights’ – Review

When Emerald Fennell revealed that she was adapting Emily Brontë’s literary classic Wuthering Heights as her next major film for Warner Bros. Pictures, the internet was (unsurprisingly) quick to react divisively regarding the announcement.

From the controversial casting choices to assumptions surrounding Fennell’s capability to adapt such a beloved novel, there was plenty of buzzy discourse regarding what we could expect. Yet if there was one thing that nearly everyone was undoubtedly excited about the film, it was the involvement of pop phenomenon, Charli XCX, to craft the very sonic landscape of the film.

Fortunately, all of these worries could finally be put to rest, now that Wuthering Heights has made its way to screens all over the world. This period drama encapsulates the tortured essence of its source material, capturing the dark romance aspects of Catherine and Heathcliff’s tragic love story (which was perfectly brought to life by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi) — even while sacrificing some of the novel’s substance to cut down on the film’s runtime. Though some avid fans of the novel would understandably be disappointed, it sure is a decision that pays off as Fennell makes ample use of the audience’s attention to get invested in this world she’s brought to life.

But beyond such strong performances from the entire ensemble of performers, Wuthering Heights is further realized with credit to its breathtaking production design, Jacqueline Durran’s gorgeous costume work, Linus Sandgren’s dazzling cinematography, and immersive musical choices. You see, what Charli contributed to such a major blockbuster wasn’t just an original song or two –– but an entire album of tracks that translate the very essence of Fennell’s adaptation.

Paired with Anthony Willis’ set of compositions for the film’s original score, Charli’s music ensures that audiences aren’t merely transported right back into the 18th century but are thrust into a whirlwind romance, almost as if we were experiencing every stage of Catherine and Heathcliff’s emotional journey. The album’s lead single, “Chains of Love”, takes the spotlight in one of the film’s most notable montages, with Charli’s lyricism mirroring Robbie’s restrained performance during that particular scene, while “Wall of Sound” and “Open Up” utilize a combination of the pop star’s vocal harmonizations and twinkling string elements to elicit a thrilling nature to the love story that’s unfolding on screen.

Though like its source material, Charli’s music for Wuthering Heights isn’t all sunshine and rainbows despite being touted as a romance. Considering how the film also tackles heavier themes of abuse and death, there lie more ominous compositions that stand out from the get-go, such as the haunting “House” featuring John Cale in the film’s opening scene, which sets the tone for the tragedy that’s set to occur. Willis’ score makes great use of such moments as well, especially during scenes that feature heated arguments, self-sabotaging moments, and most especially its heartbreaking finale.

With what they’ve achieved with their contributions to the film, both Charli and Willis go beyond complementing what Fennell has achieved, as their music itself has emerged as a standout supporting character of its own. There lies a unique, propulsive element about their respective compositions here, one that heightens the emotional stakes and allows us audiences to get lost in the fantasy of it all.

Ultimately, Emerald Fennell’s take on Wuthering Heights may not be a page-for-page retelling of Emily Brontë’s literary classic, but it thrives as a bold, sensory-driven reimagining that understands the spirit of its source material. By trimming certain narrative threads in favor of emotional momentum, the film becomes less about dutiful adaptation and more about immersion. While very much anchored by Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and even Allison Oliver’s committed performances, and elevated through exquisite craftsmanship across every technical department, this rendition embraces the operatic anguish and intoxicating romance that have defined Catherine and Heathcliff’s story for generations.

Still, it is the music — Charli XCX’s daring full-length companion album intertwined with Anthony Willis’ sweeping score — that ultimately cements the film’s identity. Together, they transform the moors into something almost mythic, blurring the line between period drama and modern romantic fever dream. In doing so, Wuthering Heights isn’t just something well worth watching on the big screen, but one that surely demands to be felt. And in that regard, Fennell’s adaptation succeeds resoundingly, delivering a cinematic experience that lingers long upon viewers well after the final, aching note fades to black.

Watch the full trailer of Warner Bros. Pictures & Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights below:

Listen to Charli XCX’s Wuthering Heights album in its entirety below: