AceShowbiz - Wuthering Heights marks the latest film project from director Emerald Fennell, following her acclaimed debut with Promising Young Woman and her subsequent film Saltburn. While her first two films received strong critical attention and multiple accolades, Wuthering Heights diverged by earning a mixed critical response, garnering a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, the film has found remarkable success on streaming platforms, particularly on HBO Max in the United States.

Produced on a budget of $80 million, Wuthering Heights earned $242 million worldwide, making it a solid box office success. However, it broke Fennell’s previous streak of positive Rotten Tomatoes scores by landing in the "rotten" category. Still, the film’s reception hasn’t deterred audiences from seeking it out, especially now that it’s available on streaming.

According to data from FlixPatrol, a service that tracks streaming popularity, Wuthering Heights is the number one movie on HBO Max in the United States, outperforming other notable titles including Best Picture nominee Mary Supreme, The Devil Wears Prada, and Christy. This top ranking underscores the film’s strong appeal among viewers despite divided critical opinions.

One reason for the film’s streaming success may be the evolving nature of how audiences consume movies. With shorter theatrical windows becoming the norm, many viewers prefer to wait for a film’s digital release before watching. The mixed reviews may have encouraged some potential viewers to bypass theaters and instead stream Wuthering Heights from home, where it debuted on May 1st. New additions to streaming services often receive a visibility boost as subscribers browse for fresh content, which likely contributed to the film’s rise in popularity on HBO Max.

The star power attached to Wuthering Heights also plays a significant role in drawing audiences. The film features Margot Robbie alongside Jacob Elordi, both well-known actors with notable achievements. Elordi recently earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in Frankenstein, while Robbie remains a fan favorite due to her performances in Barbie, the DC Extended Universe, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and others. Their involvement elevated the film’s profile, especially amid some controversy surrounding the casting decisions.

Though Wuthering Heights may not be hailed as a definitive classic adaptation, it offers a distinct sense of style and a unique directorial approach from Fennell. This polarizing quality has made it a compelling watch for many viewers who enjoy engaging with films that spark debate. The discussions and anticipation leading up to its release have helped maintain interest, making its streaming availability a timely opportunity for audiences to form their own opinions.

In summary, the combination of a strong box office performance, the appeal of its lead actors, and the strategic timing of its streaming debut have all contributed to Wuthering Heights becoming a top movie on HBO Max, despite its "rotten" critical score. The film’s case illustrates how streaming platforms can offer a valuable second life to movies that polarize critics but attract curious viewers.

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