Charli XCX Trades Lime Green for Wuthering Heights: A Soundtrack Shift
Pop star Charli XCX, known for her vibrant and chaotic energy, has taken a dramatic turn from the success of her album Brat, venturing into the world of film scoring with the soundtrack for the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. This marks a significant shift for the artist, who previously expressed a growing inspiration from film over music.
From ‘Brat’ to the Moors
Charli XCX’s 2024 album, Brat, unexpectedly became a global hit, influencing not only music but as well fashion and even political campaigns, with Kamala Harris reportedly hoping to leverage the album’s aesthetic for her presidential bid. The album’s success led to the term “brat” being added to the Collins English Dictionary. But, by September 2024, Charli XCX announced the finish of the “brat” era, signaling a desire for a new creative direction.
The opportunity to compose for Wuthering Heights arose from a message from actress and director Emerald Fennell, known for her work on Netflix’s Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. Initially asked to write a single song, Charli XCX proposed composing the entire soundtrack. This transition represents a move from the vibrant, energetic world of Brat to the stark and atmospheric setting of the English moors.
A Sonic Departure
The first preview of the soundtrack, the single “House,” featuring John Cale of The Velvet Underground, hints at this new direction. Synths have been replaced by strings, singing by spoken word, and dance beats by industrial noises. Despite the change in sound, the energy remains present, particularly in the closing verses. Charli XCX’s vocals are described as more vulnerable, mirroring the open landscape of Wuthering Heights.
The soundtrack sees Charli XCX embodying the tragic protagonists of the novel, becoming Catherine in “Seeing Things” and Heathcliff in “Altars.” While retaining elements of her signature melodic sensibility, the work demonstrates a deeper engagement with the source material, modeled after the writing of Emily Brontë.
Beyond Music: A Foray into Acting
Charli XCX has also been exploring acting, with roles in several films, including The Moment, Revolucja, and I Want Your Sex. However, her approach to acting appears more focused on collaboration and enjoyment than on establishing a major Hollywood career, according to a report in The Guardian.
While Terrible Bunny has recently been cast in a leading role in the historical drama Porto Rico, Charli XCX’s future may lie in continuing to create soundtracks or returning to her roots as a musician for a dedicated fanbase.
As Charli XCX navigates this new chapter, she continues to demonstrate her exceptional talent and willingness to explore different creative avenues.