Wuthering Heights scorches holiday box office despite mixed audience response
Emerald Fennell’s provocative take on Wuthering Heights opened to a robust haul over the Valentine’s Day weekend and through President’s Day Monday (ET), powered by star leads and a marketing push that targeted couples and adult moviegoers. The R-rated romantic drama collected roughly $34. 8 million from 3, 682 North American theaters over the three-day weekend and is projected to reach as high as $40 million through the four-day holiday frame, though industry watchers expect a closer four-day tally near $35 million.
Numbers tell a split story: domestic caution, international strength
While the domestic start is solid by recent adult-romance standards, the picture is more encouraging overseas. The film has already earned about $42 million across 76 international territories, bringing the global launch to roughly $82 million. That international performance could prove decisive for a production with an estimated $80 million price tag, excluding the sizeable costs of a global promotional tour.
The opening weekend skewed heavily female—more than three-quarters of initial audiences—but early exit polling delivered a middling response, with an average audience grade of 'B. ' That tepid sentiment leaves the film reliant on continued interest from international markets and repeat viewings if it hopes to build long legs beyond the holiday bump.
Creative and distribution choices shaped the rollout
Director-writer Emerald Fennell, whose prior films landed intense critical attention, pursued a theatrical-first release in a high-profile move. A major streaming platform had offered a large sum to secure streaming rights up front, but the filmmaker and producers opted to accept a smaller financial deal from a theatrical partner in exchange for a wide theatrical release and an extensive marketing campaign. The gamble prioritized visibility on the big screen and a global promotional tour led by the film’s stars.
The filmmaking approach—an explicitly sensual, violent adaptation of classic source material—has been billed as a deliberate crowd-pleaser for adults around Valentine’s Day. The casting of prominent leads boosted overseas lift, where star recognition often translates directly into box office strength. Still, the blend of lust and cruelty that defines the film has produced a polarizing reaction among viewers, which could temper word-of-mouth growth in North America.
Competition and the road ahead
Wuthering Heights debuted well ahead of multiple newcomers, including an animated sports adventure that landed in second place and a star-powered heist thriller that posted a weaker-than-expected opening against a sizable production outlay. Holdovers in the marketplace, including a survival thriller and an independent romantic comedy, rounded out the top five over the weekend.
The crucial questions now are whether the film can sustain interest beyond the holiday frame and how quickly international receipts will offset domestic caution. If word-of-mouth softens, the movie may lean on repeat viewers and strong showings in territories where the leads are especially bankable. Conversely, steady holds in overseas markets could transform the opening into a profitable global run despite a mixed domestic response.
For now, the film’s backers will be watching Monday’s four-day totals and early weekday attendance patterns with particular interest, using those signals to shape marketing follow-ups and distribution strategy for the coming weeks.
