A largely overlooked period drama that divided audiences has recently become available to stream at no cost.
Yet, well before Emerald Fennell brought the literary classic to the silver screen in 2026, another version emerged in the nineties. Ralph Fiennes portrayed the tormented Heathcliff alongside Juliette Binoche as Catherine Earnshaw, with Peter Kosminsky sat in the director’s chair.
Despite its impressive cast, the 1992 film particularly struggled to impress critics, with one branding it a “failed” interpretation. Another reviewer characterised Fiennes’ portrayal of Heathcliff as “demonic”.
“Peter Kosminsky’s Wuthering Heights is a drone, depressing, and exhaustively revolting excuse for entertainment,” one disgruntled critic wrote, reports the Mirror.
Currently, the film holds a mere 33 per cent critics’ rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences awarded it a more generous 66 per cent.
One admirer hailed it as a “masterpiece”, commenting: “Very well put together and the chemistry between the actor was awesome!” whilst another declared it their “favourite adaptation.”
A third viewer commented: “Not a single adaption has ever truly done it justice – but this is my favourite of the adaptions for two reasons. 1) Ralph Fiennes manages to capture the essence of Heathcliff better than any other actor ever has and 2) Ryuichi Sakamoto’s soaring score together with the authentic filming locations really do bring the book’s atmosphere to life.”
However, one unconvinced viewer remarked: “Absolutely unwatchable. Could not make it 20 minutes in, terrible acting, strange casting. Don’t waste your time.”
Those keen to watch can now do so completely free of charge, as the film has recently landed on Pluto TV. The streaming platform has also introduced three additional versions of the classic tale to its collection should the 1990s version not appeal.
Wuthering Heights (1970) featuring Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall; Wuthering Heights (1998) with Robert Cavanah, Orla Brady, and Sarah Smart; and Wuthering Heights (2011) starring James Howson and Kaya Scodelario are all currently available to stream.
Wuthering Heights (1992) is now streaming for free on Pluto TV. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything G