The third sequel in the Bridget Jones saga delivers a tear-soaked, heart-bursting triumph of a film.
As a lifelong Bridget Jones devotee, I was very much looking forward to the new release and approached “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” with my heart wide open and a box of tissues at the ready. However, I did have slight scepticism if this new chapter could possibly capture the essence of the Bridget (Renée Zellweger), we’ve all come to know and adore? To my absolute delight, it not only met but exceeded my expectations, delivering a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud experience that reminded me why I fell in love with Bridget in the first place.
In this fourth chapter, we find Bridget in her early 50s, facing the challenges of widowhood after the untimely passing of her one true love, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth, which I’m still heartbroken about this by the way). Now a single mother to two spirited children, Billy and Mabel, Bridget’s life is as chaotic and unpredictable as ever. The film masterfully balances the emotional themes of grief and resilience with the signature British humour that fans have come to love. Bridget’s journey through loss is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity, making her more relatable than ever. Within minutes, I felt the loss deep in my bones, tears streaming down my face when Bridget is arriving at a memorial gathering for Mark. However, the film beautifully balances sorrow with the awkward humour we’ve come to expect from the gang.
Fans will be delighted by the return of familiar faces. Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver makes a surprising and heartwarming comeback, adding his signature charm and wit to the narrative. His evolution from a charming bad boy to a supportive friend is both believable and endearing, providing some of the film’s most humorous exchanges. Emma Thompson reprises her role as the no-nonsense Dr. Rawlings, delivering lines with impeccable comedic timing that had the audience in stitches.
The grief is raw, messy, and undeniably real, yet in classic Bridget style, she navigates it with a blend of awkwardness and humour that has you crying one moment and laughing through your tears the next. That’s what makes this film so special – it doesn’t shy away from heartbreak, but it gently reminds you that life keeps moving, even when you feel like it shouldn’t. So, despite her doubts, Bridget takes a leap, embracing change, and her foray into modern dating is nothing short of comedic gold, including a “magical man tree”.
First contender, Roxster (Leo Woodall) – a ridiculously handsome 29-year-old park ranger, who makes Bridget feel something she hasn’t in years: desire, excitement, possibility. Their chemistry is electric, hilarious, and refreshingly joyful, giving Bridget a taste of fun again after so much sadness. But of course, it’s not that simple.
Because there’s also Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a kind and steady science teacher at her children’s school who, at first glance, couldn’t be more different from Bridget. But the slow-burn tension between them? OMG…My heart could barely take it. There’s something so soulful and deeply romantic about their dynamic – it’s not just about sparks; it’s about understanding and healing. And let’s just say, if you thought that Mark’s romantic confession from the original film, “I like you just as you are”, was peak romance, this film delivers moments that will wreck you in the best way possible.
Beyond the romantic entanglements, “Mad About the Boy” shines a spotlight on the importance of friendship and self-discovery. Bridget’s loyal friends – Shazzer, Jude, and Tom – return with their own quirks and unwavering support. Their dynamic offers a comforting sense of continuity, reminding us that while romantic partners may come and go, true friends are the anchors in life’s stormy seas. Navigating the complexities of single parenthood, re-entering the workforce, and confronting her own insecurities, she emerges more resilient and self-assured. The film beautifully captures this evolution without losing the essence of what makes Bridget, well, Bridget.
One thing that truly stands out in this film is how breathtakingly beautiful it is. The cinematography is stunning, with soft, warm lighting and intimate framing that pulls you right into Bridget’s world. And the soundtrack? Oh, the soundtrack. Every song choice feels so perfectly placed that I found myself weeping at moments I didn’t even expect to. The musical selections not only enhance the narrative but also evoke a sense of familiarity and warmth for longtime fans.
“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” is, without a doubt, one of the most emotional and rewarding entries in the series. It made me laugh, sob uncontrollably, clutch my chest, and fall in love all over again. It’s a story about grief, love, and embracing the messiness of life – and at its heart, it’s about a woman who, despite everything, still believes in happiness.
For every hopeless romantic who has ever felt a little lost, for every Bridget fan who has cheered her on since the very beginning, and for everyone who knows that love isn’t always what you expect – but it’s always worth the risk – this film is pure magic. I’d watch it a hundred times more… and probably will once it’s out on streaming.
Author: Timea, Accounting Department
