Margot Robbie has climbed the ranks to become one of the elite in Hollywood, collaborating with a plethora of industry giants. Her career is marked by several memorable on-screen pairings.
Her latest outing, Wuthering Heights, hit theaters during the Valentine’s Day weekend. In this adaptation, she portrays Catherine, with Jacob Elordi playing her tormented lover, Heathcliff.
While Robbie and Elordi share a compelling dynamic both on and off the screen, it’s important to remember her past cinematic relationships, particularly with another prominent actor.
In 2015, Robbie appeared in Focus alongside Will Smith, who plays Nicky, a seasoned con artist who takes Robbie’s character Jess under his wing. As he teaches her the tricks of the trade, they develop a romantic relationship, which Nicky abruptly ends as Jess becomes too involved. They reunite three years later, and Jess inadvertently jeopardizes Nicky’s biggest scam yet.
The film was a commercial hit, grossing over $150 million. When it debuted on Netflix, it secured a spot in the Global Top 10 films for the week of November 11, 2024, drawing 5.4 million views.
The film’s success can largely be attributed to the compelling chemistry between Robbie and Smith, encapsulating a narrative that suggests love transcends monetary value.
For those interested in a romance devoid of the controversies of Wuthering Heights, Focus is an excellent choice.
Emerald Fennell’s take on the classic Emily Brontë story has faced criticism for significant changes such as the omission of Catherine’s older brother Hindley and alterations in thematic elements, including making Catherine name Heathcliff instead of Earnshaw, portrayed by Martin Clunes.
These changes fueled debates over Elordi’s casting as Heathcliff, with some arguing that the role should have been given to a person of color, aligning with Heathcliff’s description in the novel as “a dark-skinned gipsy.”
While some argue that Heathcliff’s exact race is ambiguous, his portrayal as an outsider is clear in the narrative.
Responding to the backlash, Elordi stated, “This is Emerald’s interpretation of the text, and I have great respect and admiration for her as an artist; her contributions are significant.” He emphasized his role as an actor is to “faithfully execute the screenplay given to me.“
Focus continues to be available for streaming on Netflix.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
