Spoiler Alert: Wuthering Heights Ending Discussion

So, if you’ve watched Emerald Fennell’s latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights and found the ending a bit sudden, you’re not alone. It seems like the filmmaker chose to hone in on the intense relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff, while sidestepping the generational themes that are woven throughout Emily Brontë’s original work.

This decision gives the film a more isolated, tragic love story feel, in contrast to what is usually seen as an expansive family saga. In fact, it feels like the film cuts off right as the narrative reaches its potential, leaving out significant developments from the book’s later acts.

Bronte’s original novel, which is quite lengthy at over 400 pages, covers not just the turbulent connection between Catherine and Heathcliff, but also how the younger generation grapples with their inherited pains over several decades. Fennell, however, chooses to end the movie with Catherine’s death, omitting the next generation’s continuation of the story, which leaves things feeling a bit unfinished.

“This is a very dense and complex piece of work,” Fennell expressed. She acknowledged that adapting it has its challenges, stating, “I had to kill off a lot of my loved ones to make the story work in two hours.”

How Does the Movie Compare to the Book?

It’s quite different, that’s for sure. In the novel, Catherine dies shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Cathy, who becomes central to the latter part of the story. Cathy grows, marries Linton, Heathcliff’s ailing son, and eventually develops a complicated relationship with her cousin Hareton. Their bond offers a chance for redemption after years of hardship, highlighted by Heathcliff’s demise as he’s consumed by memories of Catherine.

In Fennell’s movie, though, Katherine, portrayed by Margot Robbie, is shown suffering from sepsis and seemingly has a miscarriage. No children are born. Heathcliff (played by Jacob Elordi) is late to her side, and instead of focusing on generations, the conclusion centers around fate and passion.

Will There Be a Sequel?

Not very likely. Given that Cassie is completely removed from this adaptation, carrying the story forward would require a new direction, something Fennell doesn’t seem keen on exploring.

“I think of it as a one-off movie, and looking at other film adaptations, I’m not alone in thinking that,” she commented, referencing previous adaptations. The 1992 version with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche tried to cover the entire novel, while the classic 1939 film prioritized the first half of the story as well.

“In a different scenario, this could be a miniseries where we could dive deep into everything,” Fennell reflected. “But for me, it’s always been about [Catherine and Heathcliff]. I’m also not sure if sequels are my forte!”