By Sophie Albertie
The movie could be good–or Jacob Elordi could just be in it.
This is what the most recent adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” prompted my mom to regale to me over the phone this past weekend. My mom, who dragged my dad to the theatres to see the film, thinks that director Emerald Fennel is a visionary. Fennel, who previously directed the 2023 dramedy “Saltburn”, seems to have made Elordi her muse. So far it’s worked in her favor, amassing a large female audience with their fingers on the box office trigger. It’s a hit.
However, let’s be real for a second and admit to ourselves that it’s not about the director.
I myself am an avid viewer of Elordi’s movies because the impact he seems to have on the modern day indie film is fascinating. Everything from Euphoria to Frankenstein to Elvis.
My research has been conducive to this conclusion, so here’s what my hot take boils down to:
Something doesn’t sit right with me about him being everywhere and convincing us that he has range.
This is very much a ‘whatever you say beautiful’ situation. He’s eye candy. A glistening iceberg with nothing below the surface. When it comes to his performances and acting abilities, Elordi is three kids in a trenchcoat.
For films with a fluffier or more fun consensus, this bodes well for the brand. I would even argue that a gaudy, uber-romantic movie like the new Wuthering Heights should be the only genre of film Elordi immerses himself in. It makes the audience feel like acting is his true calling, and everyone is going to watch anyway. Maybe that’s enough to make the movie good.
One thing’s for certain: the soundtrack is amazing.
