Fans of a historical feature will be pleased to learn that an adaptation of a classic novel is available to stream on Amazon Prime. Wuthering Heights (2011) has been named « the best British period drama » by fans. The film is a Gothic romantic drama picture directed by Andrea Arnold and starring Kaya Scodelario as Catherine Earnshaw and James Howson as Heathcliff. The screenplay was written by Arnold and Olivia Hetreed and is based on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel of the same name.
The film’s synopsis reads: « Earnshaw, a kindly Yorkshire farmer, adopts Heathcliff, a young orphan. Once there, he grows passionately fond of Catherine, Earnshaw’s daughter, and draws the ire of Hindley, Earnshaw’s son. » The film has been met with generally favourable reviews, with a viewer on Reddit declaring it the « best British BBC drama ».
Another viewer said: « This atmospheric take on Wuthering Heights is a slow-burning masterpiece, drenched in raw emotion and strikingly interpretative cinematography. Its haunting visuals and immersive landscapes compelled me to look up director Andrea Arnold—something I rarely do—but now I’m eager to explore more of her work. The film’s artistry was recognised with the Golden Osella for Best Cinematography at the 68th Venice International Film Festival, a well-deserved accolade for its breathtaking imagery. »
It holds a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus states: « Director Andrea Arnold’s gritty, naturalistic re-imagining of the Emily Brontë classic stays true to the book’s spirit while utilising an unconventional approach to explore the romantic yearning at the heart of the story. »
Andrew O’Hehir of Salon placed the 2011 film at number one on his list of the top 10 best films of 2012.
However, not all the critics agreed. One critic said: « It never recovers from its breathtakingly gorgeous first half where young Heathcliff and Cathy run around on the misty moor. You just wish it would go on and on like that. »
Another felt differently, stating: « Arnold creates a radically desolate piece of cinema that presents a challenge to traditionalist audiences. »
« Arnold doesn’t merely adapt Bronte’s story but retells it in her own style, creating a film that can be frustratingly languid to start but becomes mesmerising as it progresses, » added a third.
Wuthering Heights is available to stream now on both Amazon Prime and Disney+.
