Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights revives cinema with record-breaking debut
Cinema attendance in the US has dropped sharply in recent years, with most people now watching films at home. Yet Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights has defied the trend, drawing huge crowds in its opening weekend. The adaptation's success suggests some moviegoers still value the big-screen experience.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently highlighted the decline in cinema visits, noting the average American goes just twice a year. Many now prefer judging films on laptops or smartphones rather than in theatres. Despite this, Wuthering Heights broke expectations by earning $83 million globally in its first weekend—enough to cover its entire production budget.
The film's appeal was particularly strong among women, who made up 76% of ticket buyers. Fennell's adaptation has reignited interest in the communal experience of watching movies with strangers in a dark room. Its performance stands out in an industry where blockbuster openings have become rare. No major world-famous cinemas are currently listed in Europe, reflecting broader shifts in where audiences choose to watch films. Yet *Wuthering Heights* proves that, for some, the theatre still holds a unique allure.
The success of Wuthering Heights marks a rare bright spot for cinemas in a struggling market. Its strong opening suggests that, while habits have changed, certain films can still pull audiences back to theatres. The industry will likely watch closely to see if this momentum continues.
