If you’re wondering how closely the movie follows the book, the short answer is: it doesn’t—at least not in a traditional way.
Director Emerald Fennell has openly described the film as her interpretation of the novel, focusing more on the emotional experience than a strict page-to-screen retelling .
Here are the biggest differences between the Wuthering Heights book and the 2026 movie.
The Movie Frames the Story as a Love Story
One of the most noticeable differences is tone.
The novel is often described as dark, unsettling, and even obsessive in its portrayal of Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship. It’s not a straightforward romance—it’s something much more complicated.
The movie, however, leans more heavily into romantic storytelling, presenting their relationship in a more emotional and dramatic way. While the intensity is still there, it feels more like a tragic love story than the deeply disturbing dynamic found in the book.
The Movie Adds Sexual Content and BDSM Themes
In the book, Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship is emotionally intense—but physically restrained. They share only one kiss, and their connection is expressed more through obsession and longing than physical intimacy.
The movie takes a very different approach.
Cathy and Heathcliff are shown to have a full sexual relationship, with multiple scenes emphasizing physical desire. The film also introduces darker elements, including exposure to a BDSM-style relationship, which influences Cathy’s own awakening.
These additions shift the story toward a more visceral and provocative experience, something that isn’t present in Brontë’s original text.
Cathy’s Brother Is Largely Removed
In the book, Cathy’s older brother Hindley plays a major role. He is deeply jealous of Heathcliff and becomes one of the key forces shaping Heathcliff’s suffering and eventual transformation.
In the movie, Hindley is almost entirely absent.
While he is briefly mentioned, his role is minimized to the point that his impact on the story is largely removed. Some elements of his storyline appear to be blended into other characters instead.
Heathcliff’s Ethnicity Is Changed
Heathcliff’s identity is one of the most debated aspects of the novel.
In the book, he is described as “dark-skinned” and often interpreted by scholars as being of non-European descent. His outsider status is central to how other characters treat him.
In the film, Heathcliff is portrayed by Jacob Elordi, a white Australian actor—a decision that has sparked criticism and discussions about “whitewashing” the character .
This change alters an important layer of Heathcliff’s identity and how his character is understood.
The Narrative Structure Is Simplified
The book uses a layered narrative structure, primarily told through Mr. Lockwood and Nelly Dean.
Because both narrators are subjective, readers are forced to interpret events for themselves rather than relying on a single, objective perspective. This ambiguity is a key part of what makes the novel so complex.
The movie removes Mr. Lockwood entirely and simplifies the storytelling.
Without this framing device, the film becomes more direct and open to interpretation in a different way—less about unreliable narration, and more about emotional experience.
Cathy’s Child Does Not Survive
In the book, Cathy gives birth to a daughter before her death. This child becomes central to the second half of the novel, continuing the story across another generation.
In the movie, Cathy loses the baby before she dies.
This change eliminates the next generation storyline entirely and contributes to a more contained, self-contained narrative.
The Movie Ends Much Earlier
One of the biggest structural differences is the ending.
The novel is split into two parts:
- Part one ends with Cathy’s death
- Part two follows the lives of her daughter and Heathcliff’s son
The movie ends at Cathy’s death, effectively removing the entire second half of the story.
This is a common choice in adaptations, as fitting the full scope of the novel into one film would be difficult—but it significantly changes the story’s long-term impact.
Final Thoughts: Book vs Movie
The 2026 Wuthering Heights adaptation is less of a direct retelling and more of a reinterpretation of the novel’s emotional core.
If you’re looking for:
- psychological complexity
- layered narration
- generational storytelling
→ the book offers a deeper experience
If you prefer:
- dramatic storytelling
- visual intensity
- a more immediate emotional connection
→ the movie delivers something entirely different
Ultimately, this is one of those adaptations where the question isn’t just what changed—but what kind of story the filmmakers wanted to tell.