As they grow to adulthood, Cathy (Kaya Scodelario) accepts a marriage proposal from the rich neighbour Edgar Linton (James Northcote); deeply angered and hurt, Heathcliff (James Howson) runs away and returns years later, obsessed with love and vengeance.

The real impressive trait of Arnold's adaptation is that it skilfully ditches all the period-drama cliches to create a passionate, elemental drama, stripped ruthlessly down to its bare essentials: pain, anger and love.