During the filming of Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel, Margot Robbie embodied the spirit of ‘Wuthering Heights’ by performing a dance inspired by Kate Bush’s iconic music video. The actress brought the famous arm waves and leg kicks to life on set, fully immersed in her role.
Dialect coach William Conacher shared a video on Instagram on February 16th, capturing Robbie as she danced wearing the costume of her character, Cathy—complete with a corset and flowing skirt. Alongside co-star Jacob Elordi and the rest of the cast, Robbie’s joyful recreation paid homage to Bush’s gothic debut single from 1978.
On-Set Moments Reveal Connection to the Classic Track
Conacher reflected on the filming experience with enthusiasm, noting the contrast between the character’s struggles and the atmosphere behind the scenes.
“Cathy may not have a great time in the movie but we had a lovely time making it,”
he wrote.
“Here is the joyous Margot on our last day of shooting.”
This behind-the-scenes glimpse celebrates Robbie’s engagement with the material through movement.
Kate Bush’s original Wuthering Heights track, which offers Cathy’s perspective within the story, was the lead single from her first album, The Kick Inside. It achieved four weeks at the top of the U.K. Official Singles Chart, solidifying its place in music history.
Musical Collaboration and Modern Interpretations
While Bush’s song influenced the film’s atmosphere, the official soundtrack features music by Charli XCX. The singer released a companion album titled Wuthering Heights on February 13th, coinciding with the film’s theatrical premiere. Charli XCX’s contributions provide a fresh, contemporary touch to the gothic narrative.
Kate Bush’s Creative Outlook and Ongoing Legacy
Although Kate Bush last released an album, 50 Words for Snow, in 2011, she has expressed eagerness to return to the studio. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 in 2024, Bush shared,
“I’ve got lots of ideas, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into that creative space — it’s been a long time.”
Bush’s 1985 single “Running Up That Hill” found renewed popularity after featuring in Netflix’s Stranger Things in 2022, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. When the show’s fifth season debuted in 2025, the track climbed back to No. 1 on the Top TV Songs chart, highlighting the lasting cultural impact of her work.
The Enduring Influence of ‘Wuthering Heights’ in Film and Music
Margot Robbie’s interpretation of Kate Bush’s dance reveals the ongoing relevance of the 1978 classic in new artistic forms, bridging literature, film, and music. The renewed interest in Bush’s music alongside Charli XCX’s modern soundtrack underscores a dynamic dialogue between past and present creativity. Fans can anticipate the film’s impact as it introduces Brontë’s story through a vibrant blend of performance and sound.
