Margot Robbie romantic chemistry with Jacob Elordi has been underwhelming to international critics in their new film Wuthering Heights, which opened this week in Australia. The movie’s take on Emily Brontë’s classic novel promised a passionate and intense portrayal, but many reviewers found the leading pair’s connection unconvincing and lacking spark.
Critics Question the On-Screen Chemistry of the Lead Actors
Despite the film’s hype as a sexed-up retelling of the 1847 novel, critics largely criticized Robbie and Elordi’s performances. Wuthering Heights follows Catherine (played by Robbie) and Heathcliff (Elordi), two star-crossed lovers bound by obsession and turmoil on the Yorkshire moors. Still, their romantic bond on screen failed to convince many viewers.
The Boston Globe was blunt in their assessment:
“While strikingly attractive on their own, Elordi and Robbie have zero romantic chemistry,”
reflecting a view echoed by numerous others. Rotten Tomatoes shows a moderate approval rating of 68% based on 136 reviews, indicating a divided critical response but far from overwhelming praise.
The Daily Beast added that the leads “manage merely flickers of chemistry,” even though the film contains multiple intimate scenes designed to create tension. Time Out echoed these sentiments by criticizing the characters’ behavior:
“Cathy and Heathcliff behave abominably – making any moments of intended emotional or erotic impact fall flat.”
Brian Viner from the Daily Mail went further, calling the characters “so irredeemably shallow and selfish” that he could not invest emotionally in their story, highlighting the performance’s failure to connect deeply with some critics.
Some Praise for Robbie and Elordi’s Performances Despite Criticism
Not all reviews were negative, however. The Hollywood Reporter praised the two stars, describing them as “captivating” and stating that their chemistry “sizzles.” Similarly, Consequence magazine noted that while the film remains highly sensual, it still offers moments of genuine romantic connection when the characters overcome their misunderstandings.
Behind the Scenes: Actors Reflect on Working Together
Jacob Elordi, 28, spoke fondly of his experience with Margot Robbie during an interview, revealing a lighthearted strategy to keep some distance from his co-star on set. “We have a mutual obsession,” Elordi said, describing how he made sure to stay 5 to 10 metres away at all times to observe her actions closely.
“We have a mutual obsession,” he told US entertainment platform Fandango, as the blonde sat nearby.
—Jacob Elordi, Actor
“I think the thing is, regardless of plot or screenplay, if you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot Robbie, you’re going to make sure you’re within 5 to 10 metres at all times. Watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food, how she does it. When is it going to slip? When is the thing going to come undone? And, it never comes undone,” he added.
—Jacob Elordi, Actor
Robbie herself opened up about returning to work on the film only three months after giving birth to her son with husband Tom Ackerley. She acknowledged feeling anxious during filming and spoke about how her previous role in Emerald helped ease her nerves.
“Everyone’s expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised.”
—Margot Robbie, Actress
Robbie also noted that despite the film’s sensual scenes, some of the more tender interactions with Elordi made her “weak at the knees,” emphasizing that viewers might expect more overt sexuality than the film ultimately delivers.
Setting and Story Context of the New Adaptation
This adaptation of Wuthering Heights takes place on the rugged Yorkshire moors, capturing the dark and stormy atmosphere of Brontë’s novel. The story revolves around the destructive relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff, an orphan brought into her family home. The film’s mature themes and steamy scenes led some critics to compare it to contemporary works like Bridgerton and Fifty Shades of Grey, although not all agreed on its success in balancing sensuality with emotional depth.
Premiere and Public Reception
Wuthering Heights premiered on Thursday, February 12, 2024, in Australian cinemas, amid a mix of anticipation and skepticism from filmgoers and critics alike. While some viewers are drawn by the star power of Robbie and Elordi and the promise of a daring retelling, the film’s modest Rotten Tomatoes score and critical reviews suggest its reception will remain divided.
Significance and Expectations Moving Forward
The disappointed responses highlight ongoing challenges in adapting classic literature for modern audiences, especially when combining iconic narratives with contemporary expectations of romance and sexuality. Margot Robbie’s romantic chemistry with Jacob Elordi—central to the film’s appeal—remains disputed, which may affect its long-term legacy. As audiences weigh the film’s artistic choices, future adaptations may look to balance fidelity to original works with compelling character dynamics more carefully.
