Watch Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights is a classic novel by Emily Bronte that has been adapted into several movies and TV series. The 2003 movie, directed by Suri Krishnamma, is a modern retelling of the story that updates the characters and settings to contemporary America. The film stars Erika Christensen as Catherine, Mike Vogel as Heath, and Christopher Masterson as Edgar, the three protagonists whose lives are intertwined in a complex web of love, rivalry, and revenge.

The movie opens with a scene of Catherine narrating her diary entry, describing her childhood memories of playing with Heath on the moors. She mentions the forbidden love they shared and the distance that grew between them when she went to college and he stayed behind to work on his family's ranch. Upon her return, Catherine discovers that Heath has become a rugged, handsome man, who still harbors feelings for her. Meanwhile, she has also attracted the attention of Edgar, a wealthy and refined classmate who proposes to her. Catherine accepts his proposal, partly to spite Heath and partly to secure her social status.

The movie then follows Catherine's conflicted emotions as she tries to balance her feelings for Heath and her duty to Edgar. She spends time with both men, leading on Heath with her playful flirtations and appeasing Edgar with her gentle manners. However, her heart is torn between the two, and she finds herself unable to commit to either one. Meanwhile, Heath's resentment towards Edgar grows stronger, as he sees him as a rival for Catherine's affections. This jealousy leads to heated exchanges between the two, with Edgar accusing Heath of being uncivilized and Heath accusing Edgar of being pretentious.

As the plot progresses, the movie delves deeper into the psychological complexity of the characters, especially Catherine and Heath. Catherine is portrayed as a headstrong and passionate woman, who craves adventure and freedom but is also scared of losing her social standing. She loves Heath, but she knows that being with him would mean sacrificing her reputation, her future, and her family's approval. On the other hand, she also loves Edgar, but she knows that being with him would mean sacrificing her true self, her soul, and her heart. This inner turmoil is evident in Christensen's performance, who portrays Catherine with a mix of vulnerability, sassiness, and longing.

Heath, by contrast, is portrayed as a brooding and tormented man, who is haunted by his past and his present. He is a victim of his circumstances, being born into poverty and neglect, and losing Catherine to societal expectations. He is also a victim of his own pride and passion, which blinds him to the reality of Catherine's situation and fuels his desire for revenge. Vogel plays Heath with a rugged charm, a fiery temper, and an underlying sadness that makes him both appealing and tragic.

The movie also introduces several supporting characters who add layers to the story. There's Isabella, Edgar's sister, who develops a crush on Heath and becomes his ally against Edgar. There's also Hindly, Heath's abusive brother, who resents Heath's bond with Catherine and his father's preference for him. These characters create conflicts and subplots that enrich the main story and provide insights into the themes of love, power, and social class.

Overall, Wuthering Heights (2003) is a worthwhile adaptation of a timeless story that captures the essence of its characters and themes in a new and refreshing way. Krishnamma's direction, coupled with the strong performances of the cast, makes it a captivating and emotional movie that will appeal to both fans of the book and newcomers to the story. Whether you're looking for a romantic drama, a period piece, or a contemporary update, Wuthering Heights (2003) has something to offer.

Wuthering Heights is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.