Emerald Fennell’s Bold Creative Choices in 'Wuthering Heights' Spark Debate

Emerald Fennell, adapting 'Wuthering Heights', explores historical realism with creative liberties. She regrets cutting Margot Robbie's body hair scene to depict authenticity. The period drama, focusing on personal interpretation over literary accuracy, has sparked debate for its modern touch and character portrayal choices.

Acclaimed actor and filmmaker Emerald Fennell has opened up about a decision she now regrets from her latest film, an adaptation of the classic 'Wuthering Heights'. While speaking at the Hay Festival in Wales, Fennell revealed she removed a scene that featured Margot Robbie’s character with unshaven armpits. This decision, according to Fennell, detracted from the historical authenticity intended in depicting the early era, noted for its absence of modern grooming practices.

The director emphasized that she aimed to challenge conventional depictions of women in period dramas, often appearing 'hairless like eels'. Fennell commented on the incongruity, stating, "Where are the razors that these women are using?" She pointed out that safety razors only became common in the early 1900s, postdating the time of the novel’s original 1847 publication.

Fennell's adaptation also stirred discussions for its creative liberties, including character portrayals and plot alterations. While acknowledging deviations from Emily Bronte's novel, Fennell defended her vision as a fusion of her teenage impressions of the narrative. The film, which premiered in February 2026, is currently streaming on HBO Max, continuing to provoke discussions among viewers and critics alike.