4.5 out of 5
Bridget Jones is back, and Mad About the Boy delivers everything fans could hope for: warmth, wit, romance, and—most unexpectedly—deeply moving moments. After almost a decade away from the big screen, Renée Zellweger steps effortlessly back into the role that made her a cultural icon, bringing new layers to Bridget as she navigates a life that is both familiar and uncharted.
The film finds Bridget in a new chapter of her life. Now a widowed mother of two, she has had to rebuild after the devastating loss of Mark Darcy. Yet, Bridget being Bridget, her irrepressible optimism and determination to push forward remain intact. Encouraged by her ever-loyal friends—Shazzer (Sally Phillips), Jude (Shirley Henderson), and Tom (James Callis)—she returns to work as a television producer and is nudged back into the dating scene. What follows is a whirlwind of misadventure, tenderness, and self-discovery.
One of the film’s most charming elements is its exploration of age-gap romance, as Bridget embarks on a relationship with Roxster (Leo Woodall), a young and irreverent suitor who enters her life in the most delightfully ridiculous way possible. Their dynamic is playful and full of energy, adding a fresh twist to Bridget’s ever-evolving love life. However, it’s Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Mr. Wallaker, the reserved yet undeniably intriguing schoolteacher, who provides the film’s deeper romantic stakes. The tension between Bridget and Wallaker builds beautifully, offering both heartfelt moments and sharp comedic exchanges.
Of course, no Bridget Jones film would be complete without Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver, and his return is nothing short of triumphant. The ageing, golden-hearted cad remains as effortlessly charming as ever, providing some of the film’s biggest laughs while also delivering unexpectedly poignant moments that highlight the passage of time and personal growth. Watching Grant and Zellweger spar and reconnect onscreen is a delight, a reminder of why their chemistry has endured over the years.
Emma Thompson reprises her role as the ever-practical Dr. Rawlings, once again grounding the film with her dry wit and no-nonsense approach to Bridget’s chaos. Every scene she’s in is a joy, her impeccable comedic timing elevating even the simplest moments. And while Mad About the Boy is packed with humour, it also doesn’t shy away from genuine emotion. The return of Bridget’s parents, played by the ever-reliable Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent, carries a particular poignancy, adding an emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll.
Director Michael Morris strikes a perfect balance between comedy and heartfelt storytelling, ensuring that Mad About the Boy is more than just a nostalgic revival—it’s a meaningful continuation of Bridget’s journey. The film retains all the charm of its predecessors while embracing the changes that come with time, making it a fitting and fulfilling installment in the beloved series.
For longtime fans, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy feels like catching up with an old friend—one who still makes you laugh but now also makes you reflect on life’s unexpected turns. It is a film full of joy, humour, and touching moments, proving that Bridget Jones, much like life itself, only gets better with time.
Bring tissues, lots of tissues.
Comments