Summary where to start with this
So before we get into it, let’s point out two things this film does firstly, it normalizes and fetishizes abusive relationships, and secondly it decided to promote itself by implying an affair between the two leads despite Robbie having a husband and small child. Already deeply toxic.
The first scene of the film, which was not in the book, is a man being hung with an erection and Robbie’s character and her friends being noticeably turned on by it. So in the first scene we are seeing men being objectified even in death and a nod to necrophilia.
Not to be outdone Cathy then watches a BDSM party in the barn and then masturbates. Do you remember that being in the books? No because it wasn’t. It is more of this Fifty Shades depravity, yes women are sexual, yes women masturbate but this is just crude smut. It reads as a fan fiction porn version of the original book.
In the book Heathcliff psychologically abuses Isabella and rapes her, here that is normalised saying that they are in a BDSM relationship. Which again shows you the twisted morality at the core of this film.
Honestly there is nothing wrong with sex in films, there is nothing wrong with films being erotic but when they are encouraging necrophilia, watching people have sex without their consent, and normalising abuse through BDSM, you have to have a series of questions about have things gone too far.
Very much a film for the female gaze, but remember if a film was released where a man was turned on by the dying body of a woman and masturbated watching people have sex, folks would call it sick and demand it’s removal. It is not okay just because it is a woman.
Overall, this is depraved smut for the over 40s bored housewife who needs extremes to feel anything anymore.
0/5
Pros.
None
Cons.
This isn’t a book adaption
It encourages and normalises deeply problematic behaviour such as watching people have sex without their consent and necrophilia
It normalises abusive relationships
It uses sex for shock value
It has pacing issues
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