Inside the Raw, Romantic Chaos of Margot Robbie's Wuthering Heights
Australian superstar Margot Robbie has embraced a role that demands emotional vulnerability in her latest cinematic venture. Reflecting on her portrayal of Catherine Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel Wuthering Heights, Robbie reveals that her character essentially cries in every single scene. For the thirty-five-year-old actress and producer, these tears were a worthwhile sacrifice to bring what she describes as one of the greatest love stories of all time to the big screen.
From Producer to Leading Lady: Robbie's Dual Role
While Robbie's production company, LuckyChap, was instrumental in developing the project from its inception, she did not initially envision herself stepping into the role of Cathy. In a recent interview, Robbie explained that she was thrilled to serve as a producer but eventually decided to audition for the part. She expressed a long-standing desire to work as an actor under Fennell's direction, and fortunately, the feeling was mutual. Director Emerald Fennell, who previously collaborated with Jacob Elordi on the 2023 hit Saltburn, praised Robbie as an extraordinary woman, highlighting her multifaceted talents as a mother, producer, and exceptionally gifted actress who consistently demonstrates generosity towards those around her.
Electric Chemistry and Fearless Performances
The on-screen dynamic between Robbie and her fellow Queenslander Jacob Elordi, who portrays the brooding Heathcliff, is reportedly electric. Robbie admits she relished the emotional swings of playing Cathy, a character who transitions wildly from one intense feeling to another in an instant. She credits the amazing screenplay and incredible designers with setting them up for success, providing all the necessary ingredients to create something remarkable. This foundation of trust allowed both actors to approach their roles with fearlessness, particularly during intimate scenes. Robbie noted that she never felt the need to be careful with Elordi, and he reciprocated that sentiment, enabling them to try anything without concern for causing harm.
Elordi's Journey: From Imposter Feelings to Iconic Role
Despite his rapid rise to fame, twenty-eight-year-old Jacob Elordi confesses to feeling the weight of portraying such an iconic literary figure. In an interview with Esquire UK, he admitted to nervousness about tackling Wuthering Heights, describing it as a big movie with a substantial crew and elaborate sets. Elordi has spoken openly about imposter feelings, questioning whether he had studied or read enough to honour the hard work of the six-hundred-person crew. He believes there will always be an element of imposter syndrome in acting for him, driven by the pressure to meet audience expectations.
Elordi's path to Hollywood was not without its challenges. While Robbie gained recognition through Neighbours, Elordi faced multiple rejections from Australian soaps, auditioning for Neighbours twice and Home and Away perhaps three times without success. Even after achieving international fame, he encountered harsh criticism, such as a review of his breakout role in The Kissing Booth that described him as a plank of wood who could only play Frankenstein's monster. Rather than being discouraged, Elordi embraced the critique, which ultimately led to his casting in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein and an Oscar nomination in 2026.
A Modern-Gothic Aesthetic with Historical Touches
The film's aesthetic blends Gothic elements with contemporary sensibilities, creating a visceral cinematic experience. At the London premiere, Margot Robbie wore a replica of Charlotte Brontë's bracelet, believed to be woven from the hair of the Brontë sisters Emily and Anne, adding a layer of historical authenticity. This attention to detail extends to the soundtrack, curated by singer Charli XCX. What began as a request for a single song evolved into a full album featuring tracks like Chains of Love and Wall of Sound. Co-star Alison Oliver, who plays Isabella, praises the genius pairing of Charli XCX and Emerald Fennell, noting their similarities in creative vision.
Why Brontë's Story Resonates in the Digital Age
In an era dominated by smartphones and digital detachment, Robbie believes the film offers a necessary escape into a grand, cinematic world. She emphasises that Fennell's adaptation is less about a literal translation of the novel and more about capturing the raw emotional experience it evokes, focusing on the feeling it gave her when she first read it at fourteen. Elordi agrees that the themes of unrequited and toxic love remain universally relevant, as everyone experiences some state of love—whether passionate, sad, happy, or toxic. His advice for those navigating such emotions is to wear them on your sleeve, talk about them openly, and live without shame.
The buzz surrounding Emerald Fennell's interpretation of Wuthering Heights has reached a fever pitch as it arrives in cinemas worldwide in time for Valentine's Day. With a powerhouse Australian duo at its centre, the film transcends being a mere period piece, offering instead a visceral and emotionally charged exploration of one of literature's most enduring love stories.
