As anticipation builds for Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*, the press tour is already generating more headlines than the film itself. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the film’s leads, have been openly engaging in a whirlwind of affectionate gestures and declarations that blur the line between genuine romance and promotional theatrics. With the film’s release still two weeks away, the question looms—how far will this on-screen chemistry extend into the public sphere?
A Love Story or a Marketing Strategy?
Since the film’s announcement, it seems as though every interview and event has been laced with hints of a budding romance between Robbie and Elordi. The latest revelation? Matching rings featuring two skeletons embracing, inscribed with the phrase, “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This peculiar token of affection has sent fans into a frenzy, but it raises eyebrows about the authenticity of their connection. Are these two really enamoured, or is it a cleverly orchestrated marketing ploy?
Robbie has recently shared anecdotes that paint Elordi as an ever-watchful co-star, ensuring she never felt alone on set. “When he’s not around, I feel lost, like a kid without their blanket,” she confessed. Meanwhile, Elordi has reciprocated the affection, calling their bond a “mutual obsession.” Such comments sound romantic on the surface, but they take on an air of performative intimacy when one considers Robbie’s real-life marriage to Tom Ackerley. The couple not only shares a child but also co-produces this film together, raising questions about how much of their flirtation is genuine and how much is crafted for public consumption.
The Press Tour Phenomenon
This trend of constructing a narrative around on-screen couples isn’t new, but it feels increasingly pervasive. The promotional antics echo the over-the-top press cycle surrounding *Wicked*, where co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo seemed to lean into their emotional bond to the point of excess. Is this the new norm? Are we, as a society, becoming conditioned to expect these contrived connections as part of the film experience?
Gone are the days of straightforward interviews and magazine spreads; today’s film campaigns thrive on social media engagement. Yet, as fans eat up these staged moments, one has to wonder whether this is a healthy development. Should viewers really need to cultivate parasocial relationships with actors in order to fully appreciate their performances? There was a time when the curtain rose and the characters came to life, independent of their real-life portrayals.
What Lies Ahead for Wuthering Heights?
As the release date approaches, there is hope that the film itself will finally take centre stage. One can only wish that the next fortnight will pivot away from the actors’ playful charade and shift focus to the cinematic experience Fennell has crafted. Yet, if Robbie and Elordi continue to push the boundaries of their showmance, it raises an intriguing question: what can we expect next? Will they take their commitment to the next level and adopt a child before the film hits theatres, just to seal the deal on their publicity?
Why it Matters
This press tour strategy, while captivating in its absurdity, highlights a troubling trend in how films are marketed today. As audiences, we must strive to separate the artistry of performance from the personal lives of actors. The essence of storytelling should not hinge upon the soap opera of its stars’ interactions but rather on the narrative brought to life on screen. If we allow this spectacle to overshadow the film itself, we risk losing the very magic that cinema is meant to evoke.
