LOVE IS A FORCE OF NATURE.

In the early 1800s, the Earnshaw family takes in a dark-skinned boy (Solomon Glave); resented by their son, Heathcliff nevertheless forms a bond with the daughter (Shannon Beer).

Andrea Arnold’s interpretation of the classic novel is a challenge; the director’s effort to make it look as grounded as possible results in a camera that drags us through mud. The inhospitality of this place is emphasized to a greater, more convincing degree than the love between Heathcliff and Cathy.

Still, a boldly naturalistic attempt by Arnold, with a game cast.

2011-U.K. 129 min. Color. Directed by Andrea Arnold. Screenplay: Andrea Arnold, Olivia Hetreed. Novel: Emily Brontë. Cinematography: Robbie Ryan. Cast: Kaya Scodelario (Cathy Earnshaw), James Howson (Heathcliff), Solomon Glave (Young Heathcliff), Shannon Beer (Young Cathy), Steve Evets, Oliver Milburn.

Trivia: Before Arnold entered the picture, bigger stars like Michael Fassbender and Natalie Portman were considered for lead roles.