Charli XCX is returning to cinematic territory with a new single, “Chains of Love,” written for Emerald Fennell’s upcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. This marks the second track released from her contributions to the film’s soundtrack, following the ominous collaboration “House” with Velvet Underground co-founder John Cale.
From Script to Song
The music began as a creative spark during Charli’s collaboration with Fennell. “I called Emerald and asked what she hoped for from my read of the script,” Charli explained on Substack. Fennell’s coy answer was “A song?” Charli responded with her own bold idea: why not an album? While the soundtrack will remain focused on individual tracks, her approach treated each song as a full exploration of mood and persona.
Charli said she wanted the music to feel “raw, gothic, British, and tortured,” a deliberate shift from the bright, club-ready pop of her Brat era. The songs lean into emotion, storytelling, and dramatic tension, with less emphasis on pop spectacle and more on cinematic atmosphere.
“Elegant and Brutal” as a Guiding Principle
Charli crafted the songs primarily with longtime collaborator Finn Keane, formerly known as Easyfun. They drew inspiration from a quote by John Cale in Todd Haynes’ Velvet Underground documentary: music should be “elegant and brutal.” That became the guiding principle as they shaped the soundtrack over months, sometimes renting studio space on tour to work between shows.
“Chains of Love”: A Romantic Swell
“Chains of Love” moves away from the dark minimalism of “House” and embraces a lush, string-driven sound. Produced by Keane with additional work from Justin Raisen, the track balances electronic textures with a deeply human vocal performance. Charli’s melody carries a sense of ache and longing, even through layers of effects, creating a cinematic pop ballad that fits perfectly with the film’s sweeping, gothic aesthetic.
The track is featured in the latest trailer for Wuthering Heights, giving audiences a glimpse of the emotional weight her music adds to the story.
Charli’s Cinematic Turn
With two songs now released, Charli XCX is staking her claim in the world of film soundtracks, trading neon pop energy for windswept moors and emotional tension. If “Chains of Love” is any sign, her contributions to Wuthering Heights will provide a rich, haunting layer to Fennell’s vision—and perhaps hint at more cinematic work on the horizon.
