A new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman Oscar winner) and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, roams global screens with Catherine and Heathcliff. Yet in China, the tragic lovers face a chillier reception than anticipated.
Globally, the film has thrived, grossing over $227 million. But China’s box office tells a bleaker tale: just 17.19 million yuan (~$2.49 million) by Thursday, including a modest 2.03 million yuan opening day, per Maoyan data. This stark disparity puzzles fans of the novel, a staple in Chinese schools.
Timing plays a role—released post-Spring Festival lull, it competes with holdover hits like Pegasus 3, which earned eight times more on Sunday. Critics on Douban praise visuals but decry diluted tragedy, stripped characters, and sensational romance over depth. “Rational” Chinese audiences now prioritize reviews and resonance, as seen in Zootopia 2’s 4.5 billion yuan success. Insiders see a shift: imports must deliver authentic emotion to win. — Xinhua
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