The Briefing First Aussie gold at Olympics + The sex & spectacle of “Wuthering Heights”
Feb 12, 2026
Justin Hill, LiSTNR entertainment reporter and host of The Streaming Service, discusses the new Wuthering Heights adaptation. He explores the film’s heightened sex and spectacle. They debate bold adaptation choices, casting controversy around Heathcliff, and whether the story’s portrayal of abuse is being reframed. The conversation also considers why reviews are so polarised.
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Director’s Framing Changes Expectations
- Emerald Fennell’s film is explicitly a personal reimagining titled “Wuthering Heights”, not a literal adaptation.
- That framing lets the movie alter costumes, story beats and tone without claiming fidelity.
Adjust Expectations Before Seeing It
- Go into the film expecting a director’s version rather than a page-for-page adaptation.
- Accepting Fennell's reinterpretation reduces disappointment over deliberate changes.
Judge Intimacy By Narrative Fit
- Evaluate sex scenes by whether they serve the story rather than shock value.
- Justin Hill says Wuthering Heights integrates intimacy believably through convincing chemistry.
