Anne Hathaway just gave Emerald Fennell’s latest film the kind of endorsement that breaks the internet.
The Oscar-winning actress screened Wuthering Heights before its Valentine’s Day release and didn’t hold back her enthusiasm.
Her Instagram Stories review has gone viral, cutting through weeks of heated debate about the controversial adaptation.
And judging by her reaction, Fennell’s vision delivers exactly what she promised: a provocative, sensual reimagining of Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
Hathaway’s Viral Warning to Audiences
Hathaway’s message was short but packed a punch. She told followers to consider themselves “warned” about what they were about to experience.
The enthusiasm radiating from her post suggested she thoroughly enjoyed the ride, despite—or perhaps because of—the film’s bold approach to the source material.
This wasn’t just polite celebrity promotion. Hathaway’s reaction came across as genuinely excited, the kind of endorsement that makes audiences curious about what could provoke such a response.
Why Critics Call It “Aggressively Provocative”
Fennell, who directed the scandalous Saltburn, has made waves again with her interpretation of Wuthering Heights. Reviews suggest she leaned heavily into the erotic undertones many readers find in Brontë’s novel.
The director clearly aimed to create something that speaks to modern audiences while honoring the passionate, almost obsessive love story at the novel’s core.
Critics have noted that the film prioritizes sensuality and chemistry between leads Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. That approach has divided viewers—some celebrate the bold vision, while others feel it overshadows other elements of the story.
Margot Robbie’s Friends’ Screening Told the Story
Before wide release, Robbie hosted a private screening that became legendary for its energy. Guests dressed in “Victorian slutty” attire, alcohol flowed freely, and reactions ran wild.
Robbie recalled experiencing screaming, constant commentary and sobbing during the event.
That kind of visceral audience response suggests Fennell succeeded in creating something that grabs viewers emotionally. Whether through shock, passion, heartbreak, or all three combined, the film clearly provokes strong feelings.
While a curated friends-and-alcohol screening doesn’t represent typical audience reception, it demonstrates the film’s potential to resonate with specific crowds seeking entertainment that pushes boundaries.
Controversy Preceded the Release
Not everyone approached Wuthering Heights with open arms. Casting decisions sparked significant backlash before audiences saw a single frame.
The main points of criticism included:
- Whitewashing concerns: Jacob Elordi, a white actor, plays Heathcliff—a character originally written as dark-skinned in Brontë’s novel
- Age gap questions: Margot Robbie, 35, portrays 19-year-old Catherine, raising eyebrows about age-appropriate casting
- Artistic license debates: Fennell’s reputation for provocative content made some nervous about how she’d handle beloved source material
These controversies dominated pre-release conversations, potentially overshadowing discussions about the film’s artistic merits or storytelling choices.
Chemistry Between Robbie and Elordi
Whatever criticisms exist, early reactions consistently mention the fiery chemistry between the two leads. That connection appears central to what makes Fennell’s version work.
Hathaway’s enthusiastic response hints that Robbie and Elordi deliver performances that justify the provocative approach. Their on-screen dynamic seems to capture the obsessive, destructive passion that defines Heathcliff and Catherine’s relationship.
For audiences willing to embrace Fennell’s vision, that chemistry might be exactly what elevates this adaptation beyond traditional period drama territory.
Hathaway’s Busy Year Ahead
While promoting Wuthering Heights through her genuine enthusiasm, Hathaway has plenty keeping her occupied professionally. Her upcoming slate includes several high-profile projects.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives this spring, reuniting Hathaway with her iconic role as Andy. Fans have waited years for this sequel, eager to see where the character landed after the first film’s events.
She’s also joined Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, playing Penelope opposite an epic ensemble cast. That collaboration marks another chapter in Nolan’s ambitious filmmaking career.
Additional projects include the Colleen Hoover adaptation Verity with Josh Hartnett, plus Mother Mary and sci-fi thriller Flowervale Street.
The Power of Genuine Audience Reactions
Hathaway’s viral review serves as a reminder about the value of experiencing art firsthand rather than relying solely on discourse surrounding it.
Controversy and criticism have their place in cultural conversations. They help audiences consider different perspectives and think critically about representation, creative choices, and artistic responsibility.
But ultimately, each viewer must decide for themselves whether a film resonates. Hathaway’s enthusiastic reaction won’t change everyone’s mind—nor should it—but it does provide another data point for curious moviegoers.
What This Means for Modern Adaptations
Fennell’s approach to Wuthering Heights represents a growing trend in literary adaptations: directors taking bold creative liberties to make classic stories feel relevant to contemporary audiences.
This strategy always carries risk. Purists may reject interpretations that stray from source material, while others appreciate fresh perspectives on familiar narratives.
The passionate responses—both positive and negative—suggest Fennell succeeded in creating something that matters to people. Indifference would be far worse than controversy for any artist attempting something ambitious.
Wuthering Heights now plays in theaters, giving audiences the chance to form their own opinions about Fennell’s provocative vision. Whether viewers emerge shocked, moved, frustrated, or exhilarated, they’ll likely have strong feelings—much like Anne Hathaway did.