[Movie Reviews]: Wuthering Heights (2026) Christian Review – Love, Obsession, and a Biblical Perspective on the Human Heart

Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights is back on the big screen in 2026, and this latest adaptation has already sparked plenty of conversation. With a star-studded cast and a story that's been captivating (and troubling) readers for nearly two centuries, it's worth asking: what does this tale of love, revenge, and obsession have to say to Christian families today?

Let's be real, Wuthering Heights isn't your typical feel-good romance. It's dark, it's twisted, and it forces us to confront some uncomfortable truths about human nature. But that's exactly why it matters. As believers, we're called to think critically about the stories we consume and the messages they send about love, forgiveness, and redemption.

The Story: A Quick Refresher

If you're not familiar with the plot, here's the essential setup: Heathcliff, an orphan brought to the Yorkshire moors by Mr. Earnshaw, grows up alongside Catherine Earnshaw. The two form an intense bond, but when Catherine chooses to marry the wealthy Edgar Linton instead of Heathcliff, everything spirals. Heathcliff's heartbreak transforms into a consuming bitterness that drives the entire second half of the story.

What follows is decades of revenge, manipulation, and cruelty. Heathcliff systematically destroys everyone who wronged him, and even those who didn't. By the time the story ends, multiple lives have been wrecked, and the question lingers: was any of it worth it?

Love or Obsession? The Heart's Deception

One of the most important distinctions for Christian viewers is recognizing that what Catherine and Heathcliff share isn't biblical love, it's obsession. Catherine's famous line, "I am Heathcliff," sounds romantic on the surface, but it's actually a red flag. She's describing a codependent, all-consuming attachment that has nothing to do with the selfless, Christ-centered love described in 1 Corinthians 13.

True love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs. Heathcliff's version? It's vengeful, possessive, and destructive. He spends his entire adult life punishing others for his pain, which is the exact opposite of what Scripture calls us to do. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44 to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Heathcliff does neither.

This is where Wuthering Heights becomes a cautionary tale. It shows us what happens when we let our hearts lead without God's guidance. Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Catherine and Heathcliff both fail to guard their hearts, and the consequences ripple through generations.

The Poison of Bitterness

Heathcliff's descent into bitterness is one of the most tragic aspects of the story. He has every reason to feel hurt, he was mistreated, humiliated, and rejected. But instead of seeking healing or forgiveness, he nurses his wounds until they become weapons.

Hebrews 12:15 warns us to "see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." That's exactly what happens here. Heathcliff's bitterness doesn't just hurt him, it destroys everyone around him. His son, Linton. Catherine's daughter, Cathy. Even Hareton, who had nothing to do with the original conflict.

As Christians, we're called to break that cycle. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger... Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Heathcliff never learns this lesson, and the result is a life defined by misery.

Redemption: Can It Be Found?

Here's where the 2026 adaptation will be worth watching closely. Some interpretations of Wuthering Heights suggest that there's a glimmer of redemption at the end, particularly through the younger generation (Cathy and Hareton). After all the pain and cruelty, these two manage to find something healthier, something that looks a bit more like real love.

But even that "happy ending" is overshadowed by the devastation that came before it. The question for Christian viewers is: does the story offer true redemption, or just a bittersweet consolation prize?

From a biblical standpoint, real redemption only comes through Christ. Romans 3:23-24 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Heathcliff never seeks that grace. He dies unrepentant, still clinging to his bitterness and rage.

That's a sobering message, and one worth discussing with older teens and young adults who might be drawn to the romance of the story without recognizing its darker undercurrents.

What Parents Should Know

This isn't a family-friendly film. While the 2026 version may vary in its content, the source material includes themes of:

• Domestic abuse and cruelty (emotional and physical)

• Obsessive, unhealthy relationships

• Revenge and violence

• Death and grief

• Class prejudice and social injustice

There's likely minimal profanity (the original story doesn't rely on modern cursing), but the emotional intensity and dark themes make this appropriate only for mature audiences. Expect some depictions of physical violence, though likely not graphic by modern standards.

If you're planning to watch this with teens, be prepared to have some hard conversations afterward. Talk about what real love looks like according to Scripture. Discuss why revenge is never the answer, even when we've been deeply hurt. And challenge them to think about where true healing and redemption come from.

Discussion Questions for Families and Small Groups

If you're watching this as part of a church group or youth ministry, here are some questions to guide your discussion:

1. How does Heathcliff's version of "love" differ from biblical love as described in 1 Corinthians 13?

2. What does the story teach us about the dangers of unforgiveness and bitterness?

3. Are there any characters who display Christ-like qualities? Why or why not?

4. How might the story have been different if Heathcliff had chosen to forgive instead of seeking revenge?

5. What does true redemption look like, and where do we find it?

These aren't easy questions, but they're worth wrestling with. Stories like Wuthering Heights can be powerful teaching tools when we engage them thoughtfully.

Christian Safety Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Content Warnings:

• Profanity: Minimal to none (period-appropriate language)

• Violence: Moderate (physical altercations, abuse depicted but not graphic)

• Sexual Content: Minimal (implied relationships, no explicit scenes expected)

• Dark Themes: High (obsession, revenge, cruelty, death)

• Spiritual Content: None (no Christian themes or redemption arc)

Recommended for: Adults and mature teens (16+) only, with parental guidance and discussion.

This is not a film for younger viewers or those sensitive to dark, emotionally intense content. It's a story that demands critical thinking and biblical discernment.

Final Thoughts

Wuthering Heights (2026) will likely be a beautifully shot, well-acted adaptation of a classic story. But don't mistake intensity for inspiration. This is a cautionary tale about what happens when we let our worst impulses, jealousy, pride, revenge, take control.

As believers, we're called to something higher. We're called to love like Jesus, to forgive like Jesus, and to seek redemption through Jesus. Heathcliff's story is a reminder of what life looks like without that hope, and it's not pretty.

So if you decide to watch, go in with your eyes open. Recognize the story for what it is: a powerful exploration of human brokenness, not a roadmap for how to live. And then, when the credits roll, turn to the One who offers real healing, real love, and real redemption.

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