Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Are More Fun to Watch When They’re Weird

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The most talked-about moment from the recent Wuthering Heights publicity events hasn’t been about the film’s story or the connection between stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Instead, it’s all about Cher! During a chaotic but fun appearance on The Graham Norton Show with Robbie, Elordi, Amanda Seyfried, Johannes Radebe, and Jacob Alon, Elordi was challenged to imitate the singer, and he only managed to sing one note from her song “Believe.” His rendition of the single word sounded surprisingly like Kermit the Frog, which caused everyone on the couch to erupt in laughter. This funny moment doesn’t promote the movie’s plot; it simply highlights how naturally quirky and willing to have fun Elordi is – a quality the film’s marketing team should showcase much more often.

Recently, many romantic movies – whether funny or serious – have heavily promoted the obvious connection between their stars. Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney almost had everyone believing they were actually a couple, and Jessie Buckley famously described her co-star Paul Mescal in very passionate terms. Even though these relationships are almost always purely professional, the publicity surrounding the films often feels like advertisements for dating apps, suggesting viewers could find a similar connection. It’s therefore surprising to hear Margot Robbie describe how she and her friends reacted intensely to her co-star. She’s repeatedly had to clarify that a romantic moment in the film was inspired by something her co-star actually did. Both Robbie and her co-star are far more engaging and appealing when they showcase their individuality. Robbie shines when sharing stories about her nights out, and her co-star is at his best when discussing his creative work. If this adaptation of Wuthering Heights truly wants to evoke strong emotions, as its marketing suggests, it should embrace the story’s wildness and unpredictability and abandon traditional filmmaking approaches.

The same holds true for the movie adaptation. In the novel Wuthering Heights, Cathy and Heathcliff are flawed and unlikeable characters – she’s spoiled and self-centered, and he’s rough, erratic, and secretive. They aren’t the kind of people you’d typically root for in a love story, which makes their relationship complicated and ultimately unfulfilling. Presenting the film’s main couple as a perfect romance misses the point. The movie should emphasize how strange and unusual these two characters, and the actors portraying them, truly are.

The most captivating parts of Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship aren’t their attempts at romance, but their bizarre, almost antagonistic interactions. Their mischievous and shocking behaviors – like pranking each other or spying on others – are far more compelling than when they actually try to connect. Once they become physically intimate, the film loses its spark, becoming predictable and lacking imagination. It’s as if they don’t know what to do with each other once they’ve achieved their desire. The story is much more engaging when they’re apart, fueled by anger and indulging in their own eccentricities. The film truly shines when showcasing their individual struggles and self-destructive tendencies, symbolized by their decaying surroundings and troubled spirits.

Emerald Fennell envisioned her adaptation of Wuthering Heights as a modern Titanic, aiming for a similarly massive romantic impact. While both films feature unconventional lovers who don’t quite fit into society, the potential for a truly unique love story is stronger in Wuthering Heights. Jack and Rose push each other to rebel and explore, while Cathy and Heathcliff seem stuck in a frustrating stalemate. Ironically, the chemistry between Heathcliff and Isabella is more compelling than his connection with Cathy, largely because Cathy constantly positions herself between them. Heathcliff’s cruel treatment of Isabella is surprisingly captivating, offering a welcome shock – much like a sudden, unexpected musical moment.

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2026-02-13 02:54