Beyond Bridgerton: Why the Wuthering Heights Movie is the Dark Romance We Actually Needed

Sometimes a film just sticks with you, settling into the corners of your mind and refusing to leave. My recent experience with the latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights was exactly that; a haunting, visceral reminder that our taste in stories evolves as we do.

I’ll be the first to admit that I disliked the book when I read it back in school. At the time, the intensity felt misplaced, but looking back, I simply wasn't ready for it. Now, having matured and navigated the complexities of adult relationships, the nuances of romance, the heat of lust, and the weight of "soul-devouring" love, I finally understand the premise.

I didn't just like it; I loved it.

Of course, the characters are worrisome and the themes are undeniably dark, but that is precisely the point. When you take into consideration the crushing societal expectations and the surrounding experiences these two characters endured, could we really have expected a pompous, Bridgerton-style romance? I don’t think so. This isn't a story of pristine manners or ballroom waltzes; it is a story of survival and obsession.

Beyond the heated love affair, the film succeeds because it leans into the "alluringly disgusting." The musical score, the cinematography, and the sharp, dark comedic timing were all incredibly fantastic, creating a sensory experience that made it impossible to look away from the screen.

In a world where fluffy period romances often dominate the genre, this version of Wuthering Heights offered something far more traditionally Gothic. It avoids the tired visual tropes of vampires or haunted mansions, choosing instead to explore the darker aspects of human emotion in a way that feels raw and literary.

I was initially a little disappointed that we didn't see Catherine's ghost come back to haunt Heathcliff, but the story actually felt more complete without the apparition. By stripping away the literal supernatural, the film felt grittier and more Victorian, making the haunting feel psychological rather than paranormal.

As a Romantasy reader who has branched into darker fiction (and as someone currently immersed in Phantasma by Kaylie Smith) I’ve realised that dark fiction is often where we find the most interesting stories. These are the narratives that invoke a real connection with the media, the ones that make us cry in cinema screenings or laugh inappropriately out loud while reading. These mediums produce lasting memories and shape our views on the world far more than "safe" stories ever could.

If you are willing to venture into the world of the Gothic and aren't squeamish when it comes to the vulgar, I’d definitely recommend Wuthering Heights as your next watch. It is a masterclass in the uncomfortable beauty of the human heart.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the recent adaptation. Let me know in the comments!