Charli Xcx's latest track, "House," featuring music legend John Cale, offers a chilling and unexpected preview of Emerald Fennell's highly anticipated Wuthering Heights adaptation. Prepare for a soundscape that's anything but Brat.

TL;DR: The Essentials on Charli XCX's "House"

  • Charli XCX and Velvet Underground co-founder John Cale collaborated on "House," the first song from the upcoming Wuthering Heights soundtrack.
  • The track, described as "elegant and brutal," premiered on November 10, delivering a gothic, industrial sound that's a stark contrast to Charli's recent work.
  • Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is set to hit cinemas on February 14, 2026.

Imagine stepping into a dimly lit, decaying mansion on a desolate moor, the wind howling outside and a sense of foreboding clinging to every shadow. That's the exact atmosphere conjured by "House," the brand-new track from pop powerhouse Charli XCX and avant-garde icon John Cale. It’s the first taste of what's to come from the soundtrack of Emerald Fennell's much-anticipated Wuthering Heights film, and it's a profound departure from anything fans might expect.

Released on November 10, the song and its accompanying music video (directed by Mitch Ryan) plunge listeners into a nerve-racking, industrial thrum. If you were expecting the bright green, electronic-pop energy of Charli's recent, culture-shaping album Brat, you're in for a stark, gothic surprise. This track firmly plants Charli XCX in her "moody goth era," as one reviewer put it. Source: [Evening Standard, "Charli XCX’s new song for Wuthering Heights is goth as heck", November 10, 2025].

Stepping into a New, Darkly Elegant Soundscape

"House" unfolds with Cale's deep, resonant monologue, his lines drifting over scenes of dilapidation and decay in an old house. He describes himself as "a prisoner to live for eternity," setting a deeply unnerving tone. Charli XCX's signature autotune eventually joins in, but it's crackling and menacing, weaving ominous warnings like, "I think I'm gonna die in this house." The visuals include vultures, red wax dripping onto skin, and Charli sitting beside a grave – her own, perhaps?

This dramatic shift in sound was intentional. Charli herself called her new material "something entirely new, entirely opposite" to her previous work. It's a sonic exploration inspired by John Cale's own description of The Velvet Underground's sound: "elegant and brutal."

The "Elegant and Brutal" Genesis of a Collaboration

The story behind this unlikely collaboration is rooted in artistic admiration. Charli XCX, a self-proclaimed huge fan of The Velvet Underground, watched Todd Haynes’ 2021 documentary about the band. She was particularly struck by Cale's phrase "elegant and brutal," which he used to describe a key sonic requirement for their music. This concept resonated deeply with her as she began working on songs for Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation.

After the summer ended, still ruminating on Cale’s words, Charli decided to reach out to him. She sent him some songs, and they began discussing "House" specifically, focusing on the idea of a poem. Cale recorded his spoken-word section and sent it back to her. "It was… well, it made me cry," Charli shared in a press release, highlighting the emotional impact of Cale's contribution. Source: [Pitchfork, "Charli XCX and John Cale Share New Song 'House' From Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights Soundtrack", November 10, 2025].

"One thing that stuck with me was how John Cale described a key sonic requirement of The Velvet Underground. That any song had to be both ‘elegant and brutal.’ When the summer ended, I was still ruminating on John’s words. So I decided to reach out to him to get his opinion on the songs that his phrase had so deeply inspired, but also to see whether he might want to collaborate on any... He recorded something and sent it to me. Something that only John could do. And it was… well, it made me cry."

— Charli XCX, in a press release

Cale, at 83 years old, brings decades of experience from his time with The Velvet Underground, where he was known for disrupting music with unsettling noise and experimental sounds, a spirit that clearly infects "House." While it's not confirmed if he plays instruments on the track, the droning strings and jagged, feedback-like noise certainly echo his legacy. Source: [The Guardian, "Charli xcx: House ft John Cale review – haunt me, then! An elegant, brutal taste of the Wuthering Heights OST", November 10, 2025].

Emerald Fennell's Vision for a Primal Wuthering Heights

"House" is designed to capture the "haunted, unnerving quality" of Emily Brontë's classic novel. Director Emerald Fennell, known for her darkly comedic and intense films like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, aims to convey the "primal" feeling she first experienced when reading the book as a teenager. Charli XCX herself noted that when she thinks of Wuthering Heights, she imagines "passion and pain... England... the moors... the mud and the cold... determination and grit."

The film boasts a high-profile cast, with Margot Robbie stepping into the role of Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi portraying Heathcliff. Wuthering Heights is slated to hit theaters on Saturday, February 14, 2026. (One source noted a Feb 13 release, but Feb 14 is cited by multiple outlets with a specific day.) The score is composed by Anthony Willis, who also worked on Fennell's previous features. Source: [BBC Wales, "Charli XCX says teaming up with music legend made her 'cry'", November 10, 2025].

Example: Imagine a long-time Charli XCX fan, fresh off the dance-pop highs of Brat, pressing play on "House." Instead of a pulsating beat, they're greeted by Cale's unsettling monologue and eerie strings. It's a jolt, a moment of genre whiplash that forces a re-evaluation, ultimately drawing them deeper into the gothic world Charli and Cale have masterfully crafted for Fennell's vision.

Navigating Film Adaptations and Commercial Choices

While the anticipation for Fennell's take on Wuthering Heights is high, some critics have voiced concerns regarding the casting, particularly that neither Margot Robbie nor Jacob Elordi visually align with the traditional descriptions of Catherine and Heathcliff in the novel. However, directorial interpretations often prioritize conveying the essence or specific themes of a story over literal adherence to character appearance, aiming for a fresh perspective on a classic narrative.

From a commercial standpoint, the release timing of "House" is interesting. Given its dark, gothic nature, some might argue that a Halloween release could have capitalized on seasonal trends. However, this strategic decision to release it closer to the film's unveiling allows the song to stand as a significant artistic statement tied directly to the movie's mood, rather than a holiday gimmick. It underscores the track's power and striking originality, carving out new territory for Charli XCX.

Charli XCX: A Dynamic Force in Film and Music

Beyond "House," Charli XCX has been incredibly busy since her Brat album. She's been diving into acting, meticulously logging movies on Letterboxd, and even got married. Her involvement in film projects is rapidly expanding; she's slated to star in Daniel Goldhaber’s remake of Faces of Death, A24’s The Moment (her Studio365 venture’s first co-production), I Want Your Sex, The Gallerist, 100 Nights of Hero, and Sacrifice. This signals a significant period of crossover for the artist, showcasing her versatility and growing presence in Hollywood.

Practical Takeaways for Fans:

  • Prepare for a Genre Shift: "House" is a dramatic departure from Charli XCX's usual pop sound, offering a dark, experimental, and deeply gothic experience.
  • Anticipate the Film: The song sets a chilling tone for Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights (February 14, 2026), starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
  • Appreciate the Collaboration: The partnership between Charli XCX and John Cale is a unique blend of modern pop and avant-garde rock, inspired by Cale's "elegant and brutal" philosophy.
  • Explore the Music Video: The visuals for "House" are integral to its eerie atmosphere, featuring gothic imagery and powerful performances.

Frequently Asked Questions About "House" and Wuthering Heights

When does Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights movie release?The film is scheduled to be released in cinemas on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Who stars in the new Wuthering Heights adaptation?Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw, and Jacob Elordi portrays Heathcliff.

What is the song "House" about?"House" is a gothic, industrial track that captures the haunted and unnerving atmosphere of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, exploring themes of confinement, death, and intense emotion.

Where can I watch the "House" music video?The music video for "House" premiered on November 10 alongside the song's release and is available on major music video platforms.

Sources

  • [Vulture, "Charli XCX and John Cale Are Gonna Die in This ‘House’", November 10, 2025]
  • [The Guardian, "Charli xcx: House ft John Cale review – haunt me, then! An elegant, brutal taste of the Wuthering Heights OST", November 10, 2025]
  • [Pitchfork, "Charli XCX and John Cale Share New Song 'House' From Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights Soundtrack", November 10, 2025]
  • [BBC Wales, "Charli XCX says teaming up with music legend made her 'cry'", November 10, 2025]
  • [MusicRadar, "Charli XCX teams up with John Cale for Wuthering Heights soundtrack song 'House': 'It made me cry'", November 10, 2025]
  • [LATF USA, "Charli xcx Releases ‘Wuthering Heights’ Song For Jacob Elordi Film", November 10, 2025]
  • [Uproxx, "Charli XCX Sounds Like Nothing Even Close To ‘Brat’ On ‘House,’ Her Eerie New Song With John Cale", November 10, 2025]
  • [Billboard, "Charli xcx Releases ‘Wuthering Heights’ Song For Jacob Elordi Film", November 10, 2025]
  • [Evening Standard, "Charli XCX’s new song for Wuthering Heights is goth as heck", November 10, 2025]