Renée Zellweger rocks out Bridget Jones. It's a delightful blend of comedy, chaos and middle-aged acceptance. (Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures)
The beloved Bridget Jones is back, bringing her signature chaos and charm to the screen once again. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the fourth installment in the franchise, takes a surprisingly thoughtful turn while keeping the humor intact. However, instead of a grand theatrical release, this rom-com lands directly on Amazon Prime Video—an unfortunate sign of the times when even iconic characters struggle to secure space in cinemas.
Despite this, the film is a delightful surprise, blending humor, romance, and deeper themes of grief and self-acceptance.
Bridget Jones at 50: Same Chaos, New Challenges
Now in her 50s, Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is navigating life as a single mother of two after the loss of her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Though his presence lingers in touching moments, Bridget’s life is still a whirlwind of relatable mishaps. The movie kicks off with a classic Bridget moment—struggling to cook dinner for her kids while simultaneously trying to zip up her dress, setting off the fire alarm in the process. Some things never change.
While the franchise has had its ups and downs over the years, Mad About the Boy doesn’t lack star power. Hugh Grant returns as the ever-charming Daniel Cleaver, Emma Thompson delivers another standout performance as Bridget’s brutally honest gynecologist, and Chiwetel Ejiofor joins the mix as Mr. Wallaker, a strict yet intriguing schoolteacher.
Bridget’s friends, tired of seeing her dwell on the past, push her back into the dating world. Enter Roxster (Leo Woodall), a charming and much younger park ranger who comes to her rescue—literally—when she and her kids get stuck in a tree. Their budding romance is as improbable as his name, but Woodall’s effortless charisma and playful energy make it fun to watch.
More Than Just Romance
Unlike previous installments, Mad About the Boy goes beyond the usual love triangle. Bridget isn’t just navigating her own love life; she’s also trying to connect with her son, Billy, who is still grappling with the loss of his father. This emotional layer adds depth to the story, making it more than just another rom-com.
Her interactions with Mr. Wallaker, Billy’s teacher, add another layer of intrigue. Their initial clashes, including an awkward debate on death in front of a classroom, lead to unexpected chemistry. Ejiofor’s portrayal of a grumpy but endearing schoolteacher adds both humor and heart.
Bridget Jones: A Messy but Loveable Icon
While Mad About the Boy still exists in an idealized, pre-Brexit world where Bridget’s TV producer salary can sustain a family and a mortgage, its smart writing and sharp performances make it easy to overlook the fantasy elements.
This film brings a more mature, self-assured Bridget to the forefront. She still drinks, curses, and occasionally shows up at school in pajamas, but she has embraced herself, flaws and all. Zellweger once again proves her comedic brilliance, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside heartfelt storytelling.
It’s a shame this charming film didn’t make it to the big screen, but Bridget Jones, in all her chaotic glory, is still a joy to watch.
