Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi star in modern 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Just in time for Valentine's Day, a film offering a new adaptation of what many consider the greatest literary love story of all time is released in theaters. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star in "Wuthering Heights," bringing a modern flare to Emily Brontë's nearly 200-year-old novel.

"I've been kind of like, 'Just wait. Just wait and see it. I think you'll be really happy,' particularly for those who love the book," Robbie said.

Brontë's romantic and often agonizing tale is introducing a new generation to the story of Catherine and Heathcliff. Robbie stars as Catherine, the heroine who's torn between financial security with Edgar, played by Shazad Latif, and her heart's true love Heathcliff, played Elordi.

Robbie initially joined the project as a producer, but after reading the script, she says she knew she wanted to pursue the role of Cathy.

With jeweled costumes and an album written by Charli XCX, director Emerald Fennell's adaptation offers a renewed and sultry spin. Robbie believes the unique twists are things movie-goers will notice right from the start.

"I think a lot of people get that opening sequence. It's kind of like permission to be like, 'Oh, this is not whatever I was thinking. That's not going to be that. So I can just be on this ride now,'" she said.

Bring your tissues. The poignant and haunting moments leave both the characters and, likely, movie-goers crying. The actors, however, were able to savor their time on set.

"Filmmaking is really, at its core, such a joyful, collaborative experience that I think the act of making the film is actually sort of what releases you from the themes in the screenplay," Elordi said.

This film release comes during a standout awards season for Elordi, who has earned Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for his role in "Frankenstein."

"I'm actually so excited that I got to come straight into a press tour to sell what feels like a perfect double feature after 'Frankenstein' into 'Wuthering Heights' to sort of get that kind of recognition in these sort of gothic parts. It's pretty exciting for me," Elordi said, excitedly.

"Wuthering Heights" is rated R and opens in theaters Friday, Feb. 13.