Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Unexpectedly complex, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a rom-com that balances emotional turmoil with sincerity. A cast of beloved characters, alongside a few fresh faces, sets the stage for a new journey for the recently widowed Bridget Jones, offering audiences plenty to sink their teeth into. From navigating grief as a newly single parent to exploring self-discovery and dating in later life, this latest installment in the Bridget Jones series boasts a rich plot with several poignant moments, alongside subtle nods to earlier films in this legendary franchise.

Bridget, the original single lady, picks up her pen once again to write her greatest chapter yet, embarking on a journey of self-discovery after the sudden and tragic loss of her beloved Mr. Darcy. It’s heart-wrenching to see the remnants of their once-happy ending through Colin Firth’s brief appearances, especially for fans who’ve invested in their complicated love story for over 24 years (can you believe it?). Renée Zellweger remains as charming as ever, exuding British whimsy and awkwardness. Though her portrayal may seem clichéd at times, that’s part of what makes Bridget’s character so brilliantly enduring. Zellweger shines brightest in her inner monologue moments, particularly in scenes of embarrassment and slip-ups, often in front of new romantic interests. This remains the heart of the comedy in this sequel.

A new facet of Bridget we explore is her role as a mother. As she gracefully ages and navigates the school playground, her parenting journey is as relatable as it is endearing. With her boundless love and natural clumsiness, Bridget's attempts to juggle everything single-handedly are both overwhelming and heartwarming. Alongside her own grief, she grapples with the impact of her children’s loss, and we witness a complex dynamic within the Jones family at the start of the film. Casper Knopf and Mila Jankovic are fantastic as the junior Jones’. portraying the intricacies of grief through the eyes of children, while also capturing the challenges of seeing their widowed mother enter a new relationship. This evolution in their family dynamic leads to some of the most moving moments in the film. Without giving too much away, the scenes with the balloons, the owl, and the concert are beautifully poignant and sensitively directed. The trio of Bridget and her children remains central to the story, guiding her path and reinforcing the importance of family, even as new flames begin to burn within the narrative.

Bridget's love life takes on a fresh, empowering dimension in this instalment. As a woman in her later years, she remains desirable, wanted, and undeterred by the passage of time - no mention of wrinkles or grey hair here. Bridget is simply back in the game and as captivating as ever. As she dips her toes into the dating pool, she finds herself torn between two suitors: Leo Woodall as Roxster and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mr. Scott Wallaker. These men effectively embody the opposing ideals of what Bridget wants versus what she needs. Roxster, the younger man, represents a thrilling escapade (and thrill, he certainly provides). Woodall, best known for One Day, fits the bill as the brooding, sexy heartthrob with swoon-worthy moments, including a dramatic slow-motion dive to rescue a puppy, naturally. He’s the quintessential loveable rogue, just what Bridget needs to rediscover herself. On the other hand, Mr. Wallaker, played by Ejiofor, offers a more grounded, pragmatic charm. The "enemies to lovers" trope shines through as the two characters evolve, learning from one another and ultimately finding common ground. Ejiofor’s performance is marvellous, as he transforms from a strict, sometimes insensitive figure to a warm, understanding partner who becomes a pillar of support for Bridget and her children during this new chapter of their lives.

As with all Bridget Jones films, the relationships, both familial and romantic, are complicated, but what truly stands out here is the love and loyalty of Bridget’s friends. A major takeaway from this film is its heartfelt tribute to platonic love and the friendships that endure through life's toughest times. The supporting cast, including familiar faces like Sally Phillips, James Callis, and Shirley Henderson, radiates joy, making it clear how thrilled they were to return for this final chapter. Among them, Hugh Grant's return as the devilishly handsome Daniel Cleaver adds an extra layer of nostalgia. In this instalment, Cleaver embarks on his own journey of self-discovery, evaluating the importance of his relationships, particularly with Bridget. The dynamic between Grant and Zellweger remains delightfully cheeky yet heartfelt, and their evolving connection reflects a deep bond that has grown over the years. The way Cleaver interacts with Bridget’s children is humorous and touching, fitting the "fun uncle" trope perfectly.

While Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy covers a lot of emotional ground, it never feels tedious, though its length may make it feel slightly long. The reunion of this cast for one final chapter is a great success, celebrating love in all its forms, romantic, familial, and platonic. While knowledge of the previous films enhances the experience, even newcomers will find enjoyment here. With initial trepidation after seeing the trailer and the loss of Mr. Darcy, it was uncertain how the film would fare, but the heartfelt and sensitive treatment of this situation ensures the Bridget Jones legacy endures as a quintessential rom-com. Long may it continue.