Andrea Arnold's bold impressionistic interpretation of Emily Bronte's WUTHERING HEIGHTS immerses itself in the harsh landscape of the Yorkshire moors. Young Heathcliffe - SOLOMON GLAVE - is found on the streets of Liverpool by Mr Earnshaw and brought to live as part of his family, much to the resentment of his son Hindley - LEE SHAW - but to the increasing delight of his daughter Catherine - SHANNON BEER. The two form an inseparable bond.

When Cathy marries a wealthy neighbour, Heathcliffe, who has been reduced to servant status by Hindley, leaves, only to return a wealthy man some years later - played now by JAMES HOWSON. The uncontrolled passion he has for Cathy - KAYA SCODELARIO - is undiminished.

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This is mesmerizing stuff, particularly the first half of the film. The young actors SHANNON BEER and SOLOMON GLAVE, who were completely inexperienced, are wonderful. The daring move to cast Heathcliffe as black works, it emphasizes his outsider status beautifully. Dialogue scarce but image rich, this adaptation captures the essence of this grand but doomed love story and the land in which it occurs, it's almost as if everything is doomed in the mud and the rain and the cold bleak but beautiful moors. Robbie Ryan's handheld camerawork won't please everyone but it suits Arnold's adaptation well, as does Helen Scott's production design. Minimalistic, impressionistic, powerful filmmaking brings a fresh take to this English classic. You will breathe a sigh of relief at the end to read that no animals were hurt during the making of the film although a couple of dogs were made a bit uncomfortable.

ABC: At The Movies
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