As with almost every cinematic interpretation of Wuthering Heights, the plot’s more unwieldy second half is disposed of entirely. Fennell has also stripped down the first half, removing some major characters and simplifying the motivations of others. She focuses largely on the bond between Cathy and her tortured lover, Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi), from quasi-feral childhood on. Some of these changes might feel mercenary to superfans of the novel; I count myself among them. I love the loopy directions the book’s later chapters veer in, so I expected to greet this new version with crossed arms. Instead, I was impressed with the director’s narrowed focus. She’s managed to make a weighty work feel nimble.