Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of Wuthering Heights has drawn attention for its bold and sexualized take on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel. The film features scenes of BDSM, sex on the moors, masturbation, and other provocative content, while also omitting or altering major characters and leaving out the second half of the story. Despite the controversy among scholars and literary purists, staff at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, West Yorkshire, have welcomed the film. They described it as “amazing”, “exciting”, and “fantastic”. “I loved it,” said Zoe, who works in housekeeping. “It made me quite emotional. I thought it was amazing.” Mia, part of the museum’s digital engagement team, added, “It really feels like a fever dream. From the stunning costumes to the dramatic soundtrack, it’s a great escape into the world of Wuthering Heights. The themes of the novel do shine through.” Ruth, visitor experience coordinator, said the film captures “some essential truths about the relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy” and offers a refreshing alternative to previous adaptations, including the 1939 version with Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier, the 1992 take starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, and Andrea Arnold’s 2011 adaptation. Several staff members hope the film will encourage viewers to read the original novel. “I think it will make a lot of viewers intrigued to read the book,” said Sam from the programming department. Others acknowledged the film diverges significantly from Brontë’s text. “Some may not like the changes, but it’s an exciting film to watch on its own,” said Sue from the learning wing. Outreach officer Diane described it as “not faithful” and “not for purists,” but called it “an entertaining riff on the novel.” She also praised Jacob Elordi’s performance as Heathcliff, noting that he “nailed the accent,” despite differences from Brontë’s original description of the character as dark-skinned. The museum staff attended a preview screening on Thursday in Keighley, organized by Warner Bros. Rebecca Yorke, museum director, clarified that the museum was not involved in making the film. Fennell had previously attended the Brontë Women’s Writing Festival in September, where she discussed her personal response to Wuthering Heights. “Any new interpretation will appeal to some audiences more than others and spark lively debate,” Yorke said. Among the first public audience in Leeds was Dr. Claire O’Callaghan, Brontë’s recent biographer. “I enjoyed it,” she said. “Brilliant performances. There’s a lot of fun as well as intensity and tragedy. Fennell’s approach is refreshing and far from a standard period drama.” The Brontë Parsonage Museum, once the home of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë, has seen a surge in visitor interest since the film’s release. The house was purchased by industrialist Sir James Roberts in 1928 and donated to the Brontë Society. Emily Brontë died there in 1848, a year after publishing her only novel under the pen name Ellis Bell. Rebecca Yorke reported increased sales of Wuthering Heights and extended museum hours. The film is tracking to earn more than $80 million (£58.7m) over its opening weekend, roughly matching its production budget. As part of the promotional campaign, Warner Bros has launched official merchandise, ranging from clothing to passport covers. While the film’s risqué content has provoked debate, the museum staff remain enthusiastic. They hope it will not only entertain audiences but also inspire them to revisit Brontë’s classic tale.