Emerald Fennell’s Steamy Spin on a Literary Icon (Image Credits: Flickr)
Movie enthusiasts gear up for a diverse slate of releases this weekend, where timeless literature meets surreal whimsy and underdog sports tales.
Emerald Fennell’s Steamy Spin on a Literary Icon
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi deliver scorching chemistry as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff in a visually opulent adaptation that pulses with gothic intensity.[1][2]
Directed by Emerald Fennell, known for her provocative works like Saltburn, the film reimagines Emily Brontë’s novel as a feverish exploration of love, revenge, and class divides amid the wild Yorkshire moors. Robbie portrays the impetuous Cathy, torn between her wild passion for the brooding urchin Heathcliff and societal pressures, while Elordi embodies the character’s raw fury and desire. Critics praise the lush cinematography by Linus Sandgren and standout support from Alison Oliver as the intense Isabella Linton, though some note the story’s emotional depths occasionally yield to stylistic excess.[3])
Fennell’s version premiered to mixed acclaim, earning a 66% on Rotten Tomatoes for its carnal energy and chic flair, yet drawing fire for straying from the source material’s subtlety.[3]) Charli XCX contributes original songs, including the pulsating “House” featuring John Cale. The production faced challenges, such as Elordi’s on-set burn injury, but emerged with a theatrical push from Warner Bros., targeting a February 13 debut alongside IMAX screenings.[2]
A Woman’s Envy Transforms into Bizarre Furniture Fantasy
Juliette Lewis stars in By Design as Camille, a resentful singleton whose obsession with a sleek bent-plywood chair spirals into a magical body-swap that upends her world.[1]
Amanda Kramer directs this offbeat comedy-drama, where Camille’s soul inhabits the coveted seat after its sale to heartbroken pianist Olivier, played by Mamoudou Athie. Friends visit her inert body, mistaking her silence for wisdom, while the chair endures parties, dreams, and even a kidnapping by a tap dancer. The film blends interpretive dance with meticulous art direction, crafting a peculiar meditation on desire, listening, and objectification that feels like performance art on screen.
Reviewers hail its precise, kooky warmth and alienating humor, positioning it as a limited-release curiosity perfect for audiences craving the unconventional.[4] Lewis infuses Camille with sharp wit, turning resentment into unexpected gratification as the chair gains admirers.
Stephen Curry Backs an Animated Underdog’s Roar
A diminutive goat named Will defies the odds in GOAT, a vibrant action-comedy where size proves no barrier to roarball glory.[1][5]
Voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, Will goes viral in a stunt to join the dismal Vineland Thorns, clashing with egotistical panther Jett (Gabrielle Union) amid hazards like lava and ice. Sony Pictures Animation deploys Spider-Verse-esque visuals – shimmering mists, shape-shifting courts, painterly wilds – to elevate a familiar persistence-and-teamwork arc. Producer Stephen Curry, drawing from his own “too small” backstory, infuses authenticity, with voices like Aaron Pierre and Nick Kroll adding flair.
The film targets families with its inclusive edge and breath-taking sequences, though some call the plot predictable. Early access screenings began February 7, building to a wide February 13 rollout.[5]
Why These Films Stand Out
This weekend’s mix spans genres, from erotic period drama to fantastical satire and kid-friendly spectacle, united by bold visions and stellar talent.
- Wuthering Heights: Gothic romance redefined, with Robbie and Elordi’s palpable tension.
- By Design: A wildly original chair-centric romp led by Lewis’s tour de force.
- GOAT: Eye-popping animation champions the little guy, Curry-produced.
Key Takeaways
- Expect visual feasts across all three, from moors to morphing courts.
- Mixed critical buzz favors aesthetics over narrative innovation.
- Perfect for varied tastes this Valentine’s-adjacent weekend.
These releases promise escapism with edge, reminding viewers that cinema thrives on the unexpected. Which film calls to you first? Share in the comments.
