Gothic Revival (2025 edition)

In Common wonders, 'Why are we getting so many film adaptations of the Victorian Gothic?'

Like Dr Frankenstein, directors like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Guillermo del Toro, and Emerald Fennel are sparking new life into the Victorian Gothic… even if they should leave well enough alone.

We are to be blessed (or burdened) with a burst of new releases retelling classics: Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein, and The Bride!. [...]

Emerald Fennel has received the worst of the public’s reaction due to readers’ dissatisfaction with the accuracy of her version of Wuthering Heights, partly down to the inaccurate costuming and the sexualised nature of her retelling, but also because of the white-washing of Heathcliff’s ‘dark-skinned’ character (now portrayed by Jacob Elordi). Fennel has unashamedly updated the original text, bringing Charli XCX on board for the soundtrack and casting Barbie’s Margot Robbie as Catherine – a beautiful, talented actress but decidedly ‘un-Victorian’ in her appearance.

Ironically, by making changes which have infuriated audiences, Fennel’s work is more like the original text than expected, both having brought moral outrage from the public upon their release.

After her work on more modern narratives in Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, Fennel broaches new ground by diving deep into the past. An interesting contrast for someone who so clearly concerns herself with topical issues, such as social class and the mistreatment of women in contemporary society.

So, why Wuthering Heights?

Well, the original text does tackle the issue of social class, with it being a key reason for the separation of Heathcliff and Catherine, and that may well appeal to her if we are to consider her work on Saltburn. However, I think there is a whole other angle here which appeals both to Fennel and wider audiences; the destructive and tumultuous romance between the two leads speaks to modern heterosexual dating frustrations.

For men, many are worried post #metoo about being misconstrued as predatory or creepy if approaching a woman for a date. Meanwhile, women are fearful of men’s reactions, concerned that they will become victims of abuse. Just like Catherine, women are perceived as leading men on and, just like Heathcliff, men are seen as aggressive, possessive, and violent. With almost 60% of single Americans not looking for a relationship, many people have decided that romance just isn’t worth the trouble. (Laura McCarthy)

Democrat & Chronicle has an article on 'How illustrated classics shaped generations of readers'.

Not mentioning Classics Illustrated, other readers nominated other books as the best they’ve never read.

Jim Verni has yet to read “Jane Eyre.” He’s not alone. [...]

“’Wuthering Heights,’ by Emily Bronte is my answer, an absolute classic (so I hear),” Maura wrote. (Jim Memmott)

The Yorkshireman recommends 'Unmissable Things To Do In Haworth For A Truly Magical Christmas'.